Parachaetodon Ocellatus - Six Spined Butterflyfish(M)

Parachaetodon Ocellatus, commonly known as the Six spined butterflyfish, is a small butterflyfish which looks similar to the more well-known C. rostratus. To be more precise, they look like a C. rostratus with the diamond bodyshape of a Monodactylus. Their base colour is white with 5 vertical bands that are golden yellow to brownish. They've a black spot in the fourth bar in the dorsal fin and at the caudal fin base which is more or less defined depending on the individual.

These fish are quite peaceful to most other fish, but might haress similar looking fish. They usually live in large schools over open muddy bottoms in deep water, but as juveniles they're also seen in shallow lagoons with seagrasses. In an aquarium they can best be kept alone unless a proven pair can be found or the tank is large enough to keep a group. Not much is known about these fish but they're most likely real omnivores feeding on algae, sponges and all kind of small invertebrates like crustaceans and worms. They can nip on corals from time to time, but usually they should pose no real problems in a healthy growing reef tank. Make sure to offer them a varied diet of meaty and algae based foods and these fish will thrive in your tank!