Masked Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) Care Guide
Chaetodon semilarvatus is a Red Sea butterflyfish with a bright yellow body and a dark eye mask, known for forming long-term pairs.
Overview
Chaetodon semilarvatus is a marine butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae described by Cuvier in 1831. It carries a bright yellow body crossed by thin red vertical lines and a greyish patch behind the eye. The species is largely restricted to the north-western Indian Ocean and is one of the few fish noted to maintain long-term mates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Chaetodon
- Scientific name: Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831
Habitat
The species occurs in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and east to the coast of Oman. It favours areas of rich coral growth at depths of roughly 1 to 20 metres, and individuals are often seen hovering stationary beneath plate-coral ledges.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dKH
- Adult size: 20-23 cm (max 23 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
In the wild Chaetodon semilarvatus is omnivorous, feeding on hard corals and benthic invertebrates. FishBase classifies it at a trophic level of 3.5. Because its natural diet includes coral polyps, it is not considered reef-safe.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and swims in the mid water. It is most often observed in pairs or small aggregations. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses and other large peaceful fish; aggressive triggerfish should be avoided, as should reef aquaria containing LPS and soft corals.
Breeding
Chaetodon semilarvatus is oviparous (egg-laying) and forms pairs during spawning. Captive breeding is not commonly achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). FishBase reports high resilience with low fishing vulnerability.