Eight Striped Butterfly - Chaetodon octofasciatus

Eight Stripe Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus)

• Species: Chaetodon octofasciatus
• Common Names: Eight Stripe Butterflyfish, Eightband Butterflyfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Philippines, and around the Great Barrier Reef
• Light Requirements: Moderate
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on corals, zooplankton, and small invertebrates
• Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate

Aquarium Setup:

The Eight Stripe Butterflyfish is a strikingly beautiful fish, known for its unique pattern of eight vertical black stripes across its body, combined with a yellowish or white body color. It thrives in a well-established reef aquarium with a variety of live rock, as it requires a rich environment that mimics its natural habitat. While not typically reef-safe due to its feeding habits, it can coexist with other peaceful fish if proper care is given to its diet and tank mates. These fish require a tank with plenty of swimming space and rock structures for hiding and exploration.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.023-1.026 SG
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Calcium: 380-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

Growth and Maintenance:

The Eight Stripe Butterflyfish is a relatively slow-growing species, but with appropriate care, it can thrive in a well-maintained reef aquarium. They are best kept in larger aquariums with well-established live rock, where they can feed naturally and find hiding places when stressed. These butterflyfish are delicate feeders and will require a balanced diet, including small live foods, zooplankton, and occasionally some soft corals or invertebrates in the tank.

Care Tips:

✔ Placement: Place in a tank with plenty of hiding spots, live rock, and swimming space. Avoid overcrowding with aggressive species, as they may stress the butterflyfish.
✔ Water Stability: Keep water conditions stable, as butterflyfish are sensitive to fluctuating parameters. Regular water changes and good filtration are key to maintaining a healthy environment.
✔ Feeding: A well-rounded diet is crucial. Offer a variety of foods including meaty foods, zooplankton, brine shrimp, and high-quality frozen or live foods. They may also feed on certain soft corals or algae, so monitor the tank for any signs of coral predation.
✔ Avoid Pests: Regularly inspect the tank for parasites or infections, as butterflyfish are susceptible to common reef diseases.
✔ Tank Mates: While peaceful, they are semi-aggressive with other butterflyfish or fish of similar body shape and may show aggression toward them. Keep them with other peaceful, non-competitive species.

Compatibility:

The Eight Stripe Butterflyfish can be somewhat territorial, especially toward other butterflyfish. It is important to house them with other peaceful species that will not compete for food or territory. They should not be kept with aggressive fish or overly territorial species, as they may stress out or be harassed. As they are not reef-safe and may feed on corals or invertebrates, ensure that their tank mates are not overly delicate or susceptible to predation.

Availability:

The Eight Stripe Butterflyfish is somewhat common in the aquarium trade and can be found in both wild-caught and aquacultured forms. Availability may vary depending on the region and season, with aquacultured specimens being a more sustainable option. Always check with local or online reef suppliers for current availability.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within species and individual fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.