Meyer's Butterflyfish - Chaetodon meyeri
Care level: Difficult
Max Size: 20cm
Temp: 23-27°C
PH: 8.1-8.4
Approximate purchase size: 3-4cm
Diet: Corallivore
Compatibility: Not Reef Safe
The Meyer's Butterflyfish is a stunning species from the Indian Ocean. They are a difficult species to keep because of their specialised needs, but very rewarding in the long term. Juveniles acclimatise to captive keeping very well. Tank mates should be relatively peaceful and no other Butterflies should be kept with this fish as it may become extremely territorial. Lots of swimming space should be offered and the rock should be mature with lots of macro and micro algae for the fish to browse.
The difficulty is their feeding habit. As they are corallivores, it can be difficult to get them to feed in an aquarium. They feed largely on stony corals and some soft corals, but over time they can be trained to accept meaty frozen foods such as mysis and brine shrimp. A great trick is to press the food in dead coral skeletons as it may encourage the butterfly to start eating alternate foods. Clams and mussels on their shells has also been reported as a success. Over time, they should learn to even accept flake foods and some with spirulina or nori should be offered for a balanced diet.
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