Mirror Butterflyfish (Chaetodon speculum)
Chaetodon speculum
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 15 cm
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 5-8
- Swimming Level
- mid
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- Carnivore; coral polyps in nature, frozen mysis and clam in captivity
- Temperament
- Peaceful with most tank mates; may harass other Chaetodon
About
The Mirror Butterflyfish presents a clean and striking appearance: a vivid yellow body punctuated by a single large, dark oval spot at the center of the flank—the 'mirror' that gives it its name. Occurring across the Indo-Pacific from Sri Lanka to the Great Barrier Reef, it is moderately challenging to maintain as it relies on coral polyps in the wild. In captivity, patient target-feeding with diverse frozen and coral-derived preparations encourages acceptance of substitute diets.
Care Guide
Provide a large, mature reef aquarium with stable water parameters. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis, chopped clam, coral-derived preparations, and occasional live feeds. Introduce singly; may accept a pair in very large tanks. Not reef-safe due to its corallivore tendencies.
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