Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon decussatus)

The Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon decussatus) is an elegant and attractive species endemic to the Indian Ocean, featuring a white body decorated with a precise cross-hatch or diagonal lattice pattern of fine lines, transitioning dramatically to a vivid black and yellow rear section and tail — a pattern that is both sophisticated and eye-catching. It is the Indian Ocean ecological counterpart of the Pacific Vagabond Butterflyfish (C. vagabundus) and shares that species' comparative hardiness by butterflyfish standards. It is infrequently encountered in the European trade due to its Indian Ocean-restricted distribution, making it a desirable acquisition for dedicated butterflyfish hobbyists.

Provide at least 350 liters with ample live rock and open swimming space. Offer varied meaty and omnivorous foods — frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, marine pellets — and introduce cautiously to captive feeding. Best maintained in FOWLR systems; not reliable for reef systems with coral polyps. Keep with peaceful, similarly sized fish. Requires excellent water quality and stable parameters.