Indian Ocean Mitre Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mitratus)

The Indian Ocean Mitre Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mitratus) is a striking and rarely encountered deepwater species from the Indian Ocean and southwestern Pacific, characterized by a bold yellow body with a large contrasting black-and-white posterior patch that creates a highly distinctive, graphic appearance. Its deepwater habitat — typically 30–80 meters — makes collection logistically challenging and ensures specimens are rarely exported, giving it genuine rarity status in the marine aquarium trade. Like most deepwater butterflyfish, it may require more careful acclimation and attention to subdued lighting and temperature stability compared to shallower-water species. A highly prized prize for dedicated butterflyfish collectors.

Provide at least 300 liters with subdued to moderate lighting reflecting its deepwater origin. Transition to captive foods carefully with initially live, then frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp before introducing prepared foods. Maintain stable, high-quality water parameters. House with peaceful tank mates; do not combine with aggressive species that increase stress levels. Best kept in FOWLR systems without coral polyps.