Teardrop Butterflyfish (Chaetodon unimaculatus)
Chaetodon unimaculatus
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Hawaii
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 20 cm
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 5-8
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful toward other marine fish. Not reef-safe — may pick at coral polyps. Avoid aggressive tank mates that may stress this sensitive species.
About
The Teardrop Butterflyfish is a graceful, wide-ranging Indo-Pacific species with a white body grading to yellow posteriorly, marked by a single large teardrop-shaped black spot behind mid-body — the defining feature that gives it its common name. Widespread from the Indo-Pacific to Hawaii, it is considered moderately hardy for a butterflyfish and adapts to frozen and prepared marine foods more reliably than many of its relatives. A peaceful species well-suited to FOWLR aquariums.
Care Guide
Feed a varied diet of frozen mysis, Artemia, krill, and Spirulina-enriched foods multiple times daily. House in a spacious FOWLR aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and some rockwork for shelter. Not recommended for reef aquariums as it may pick at coral polyps, particularly small-polyp stony and soft corals. Introduce to a well-established tank with peaceful to semi-aggressive tank mates.
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