All fish / Chaetodontidae

Multiband butterflyfish

Chaetodon multicinctus

Also known as pebbled butterflyfish, multiband butterfly, many-banded butterflyfish, hawaiian multiband butterflyfish, pebbled butterfly, ミスジチョウチョウウオ, 多带蝴蝶鱼

A small Hawaiian butterflyfish with a pale body covered in fine brown speckles, crossed by faint brown bands, with a dark bar through the eye and yellowish fins. It is kept by experienced reefkeepers drawn to its subtle pebbled pattern and modest size.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a mated pair

Diet

Carnivore: in the wild mostly coral polyps; in aquariums try mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood and clam on the half shell

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 7 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, central Pacific

Breeding

It spawns in pairs in open water, releasing pelagic eggs, and the larvae pass through a long plankton stage. It has not been bred reliably in home aquariums.

Good to know

Largely a coral polyp feeder that often refuses aquarium foods, so it is unsuitable for beginners and will nip stony corals in a reef tank. Endemic to Hawaii, so supply is limited and collection is regulated locally.