Chaetodon meyeri, commonly known as Meyer’s Butterflyfish, is a visually captivating species prized for its intricate colouration and patterns. This butterflyfish is best suited to experienced hobbyists due to its specific dietary and environmental needs.
Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Chaetodon meyeri requires stable water parameters and a mature aquarium environment.
Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial towards conspecifics or similar species. Best kept singly or as a mated pair in larger tanks.
Diet: Omnivorous. In the aquarium, provide a varied diet including high-quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specialised preparations for butterflyfish. Supplement with live or frozen coral polyps and sponges if possible.
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 reef compatible, Chaetodon meyeri may nip at coral polyps or sessile invertebrates, so monitor behaviour closely in reef setups.
Lighting Requirements: Standard marine aquarium lighting is sufficient. No special lighting needs beyond what supports a healthy reef environment.
Water Flow: Moderate water movement mimicking natural reef currents is ideal.
Placement: Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding spots. Ensure stable water quality and mature biological filtration.
Origin: Not Provided.
Maximum Size: Approximately 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length.
Chaetodon meyeri is a beautiful addition to a well-established marine aquarium, offering both visual appeal and interesting behaviour. Due to its specialised care requirements, it is recommended for aquarists with prior experience in maintaining butterflyfish species.
