Eritrean Butterflyfish

About

The Eritrean Butterflyfish (Chaetodon paucifasciatus) is endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where it inhabits coral reefs and rubble zones down to considerable depths. In the wild it's commonly seen in pairs or loose groups, and that social tendency carries over into its biology. This species is monogamous and forms lasting pair bonds during reproduction. The body is white to pale yellow, decorated with a series of diagonal chevron-like bars, and the tail sports a vivid reddish-orange band that immediately sets it apart from other butterflies. Like most of its family, it feeds on a varied menu in the wild: coral polyps, gorgonians, algae, polychaete worms, and small crustaceans. That coral-polyp feeding habit is the main challenge in captivity, since getting it to switch to prepared and frozen foods requires patience, and some individuals remain difficult to wean. Once feeding reliably, it generally adapts well to aquarium life. It has a reasonable track record in the hobby compared to some of the more delicate butterflyfish. Given its size potential and active nature, it needs a roomy tank with plenty of open water and good water quality to stay at its best. A reef setting with stony corals is not advisable.