Chaetodon larvatus, commonly known as the Larvatus Butterflyfish, is a visually stunning species prized for its bright yellow body contrasted with bold black vertical bands. This large variant can grow up to approximately 20 cm in length, making it a prominent addition to a marine aquarium.
Care Level: This species is best suited for advanced marine aquarists due to its specific dietary and environmental needs.
Temperament and Compatibility: Generally peaceful but can be territorial towards conspecifics or similar butterflyfish species. It is recommended to keep them singly or as a mated pair in a sufficiently large aquarium. Compatibility with other peaceful fish is usually good, but caution is advised with aggressive tank mates.
Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specialised prepared diets formulated for butterflyfish. Supplementing with sponge-based foods is beneficial to mimic natural feeding habits.
Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 150 litres (approximately 40 US gallons) is recommended to provide ample swimming space and territories.
Reef Safety: With caution. While generally considered reef safe, they may nip at coral polyps or sessile invertebrates, so careful monitoring is advised in reef setups.
Lighting and Water Flow: Standard marine aquarium lighting and moderate water flow are suitable. Avoid overly strong currents to reduce stress.
Placement: Provide plenty of live rock with crevices and hiding spots to simulate natural habitat and reduce stress.
Origin: Native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean.
Maximum Size: Up to 20 cm (approximately 8 inches).
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.