Teardrop Butterflyfish Profile

Scientific Name:

Chaetodon unimaculatus

Distribution:

Indo Pacific

Maximum Size:

To 8".

Identification:

The body of this fish white on the bottom half and various shades of yellow on the top half. There are some yellow markings mid-body. The pectoral fin is clear and the anal fin is yellow. It is marked with a large black spot on the upper center of the body. It has two wide, black, vertical bands. One runs through the eye and the other through the ends of the dorsal fin, caudal peduncle, and the anal fin. The mouth area in front of the eyes is white.

Habitat:

We have found this fish in small groups, pairs, or singly on the reef. It inhabits various depths from shallower waters out to the deeper waters of 60 plus feet. The distribution of this species extends from Hawaii southward to central Polynesia and westward through Micronesia, Melanesia, and the East Indies, and then on across the Indian Ocean to the coast of Africa.

Minimum Tank Size Suggested:

55 gallon.

Characteristics & Compatibility:

The Teardrop Butterfly can be sensitive to ammonia levels and bacterial infections.

This fish is fairly shy and will normally hide until it feels safe from predation.

Diet & Feeding:

As a juvenile this fish will adapt to tank life and foods fairly well. However, as adults they are slow to learn and are sometime difficult to get to eat. Like most fish in the Butterfly Fish Family they are coral pickers, but also eat small marine life and algae off of rocks and coral. We have had success with them eating brine, dried or frozen shrimp, nori, dried blood worms and basic flake foods.

Reef Tank Suitability:

This fish is a coral picker and will graze through hard corals, nipping at the polyps.

Guides Fish Care Rating:

Our Fish Care Rating Level:

Juvenile Specimens 2 Stars
Adult Specimens 3 Stars