Panda Butterflyfish

1 Breed Introduction

Also called the Black-face Butterflyfish in Taiwan, the Panda Butterflyfish turns brown when frightened or at night, a distinctive trait. In the wild it lives in coral reefs at depths of 3 to 25 m.

Chinese name: Panda Butterflyfish

Binomial: Chaetodon adiergastos

Also known as: Black-face Butterflyfish (Taiwan)

Distribution: Coral reefs of the western Pacific, including the Ryukyu Islands

2 Physical Characteristics

Called Black-face Butterflyfish in Taiwan for the saddle-like black mark on its nape, a distinctive feature that attracts fans. What else is special?

Adults are deep-bodied and nearly round; the upper head profile is steep, slightly S-shaped, with a black spot at the prominent part. The snout is pointed but not tubular; the front nostrils have flaps; the preopercle edge is finely serrated; the gill membrane joins the isthmus; jaw teeth fine, sharp, closely set, 9 to 11 rows each. The body has large, diagonally arranged scales; the lateral line rises steeply to below the 9th dorsal spine and descends below the dorsal base end; the dorsal is single. The vertical bar-like eye band is wider than the eye; a saddle black mark sits on the nape; all fins except the pale transparent pectorals are yellow; the soft dorsal and anal have black edges. Juveniles have a black eyespot at the end of the soft dorsal. When frightened or at night, the body turns brown.

3 Housing and Environment

Adults reach 20 cm, so a suitable tank is needed. Recommended 26 C, specific gravity 1.022.

In the wild it likes coral reefs at 3 to 25 m; adults usually live in pairs or small groups in soft-coral areas, shy and wary. Juveniles often live alone in sheltered reefs or estuaries. It is a broadcast spawner.

4 Feeding

Stable water alone is not enough; it needs balanced food. What suits it?

Wild fish eat mainly coral polyps and small crustaceans. It must not go in an invertebrate tank because it eats corals and mollusks. The tank should be large with good filtration, with rocks or coral stone for beauty and hiding.