Chaetodon rafflesi 5-7 cm

Chaetodon rafflesi: Raffles' Butterflyfish, a Yellow Gem for Marine Aquariums

The Chaetodon rafflesi, also known as the Raffles' Butterflyfish, is a brilliant butterflyfish from the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Its rare beauty and peaceful behavior make it a prime choice for aquarists seeking a touch of originality in their marine aquarium.

The Chaetodon rafflesi has a bright yellow elliptical body adorned with a delicate lattice pattern on its sides. A black vertical band crosses its eyes, while another black mark is visible on its caudal fin. This graceful fish reaches an adult size of about 15 to 18 cm.

A Peaceful and Elegant Behavior

The Chaetodon rafflesi is known for its calm demeanor and good interspecies relationships. In its natural environment, it swims alone or in pairs, frequenting coral reefs and lagoons rich in vegetation.

This Raffles' Butterflyfish fits perfectly into a well-structured fish-only community aquarium.

A Spacious and Tall Aquarium Recommended

To ensure the well-being of the Chaetodon rafflesi, a spacious aquarium is highly recommended. It should offer:

• A large volume of water with a significant height to accommodate its natural vertical swimming,
• Numerous live rocks and a decor rich in algal vegetation,
• Moderate water flow and excellent marine water quality.

A Varied and Balanced Diet

The Chaetodon rafflesi follows a specialized omnivorous diet. In the wild, it mainly feeds on:

• Coral polyps (LPS and sometimes SPS),
• Benthic algae and marine plants.

In an aquarium, it readily accepts:

• Live or thawed artemia, mysis,
• Enriched pellets and flakes suitable for marine omnivorous fish,
• Small pieces of crustaceans or suitable seafood.

Special attention should be paid to its diet to prevent it from excessively attacking live corals.

A Rare Fish for Passionate Aquarists

The Raffles' Butterflyfish Chaetodon rafflesi is a precious species that will enhance your marine aquarium with its bright colors and natural elegance. Its maintenance requires a well-thought-out environment but rewards the aquarist with a fascinating daily spectacle.

With a spacious aquarium, a diverse diet, and a rich decor, the Chaetodon rafflesi will become a true living gem within your setup.