Chaetodon blackburnii
Chaetodon blackburnii was first described by French naturalist Julien Desjardins in 1836. This species belongs to the family Chaetodontidae, which is also known as the butterflyfishes. The family Chaetodontidae consists of about 12 genera and over 120 species.
The genus name “Chaetodon” is derived from the Greek words “chaite” (hair) and “odous” (teeth), referring to the brush-like teeth of these fish. The species name “blackburnii” honors the English jurist Edward Berens Blackburn, who was the Chief Justice of Mauritius from 1824 to 1835.
Description
Appearance:
Chaetodon blackburnii has a predominantly brown-black body color with a prominent yellow spot on the anterior portion of the body. A black vertical band runs through the eye, forming a characteristic pattern. The dorsal and anal fins are brown-black, while the pelvic fins are bright yellow. This fish can reach a maximum length of 13 centimeters.
Differences between males and females:
There are no clear physical differences between males and females of this species. Behavioral differences between the sexes have also not been documented.
Behavior and Temperament:
Chaetodon blackburnii is generally a peaceful fish that lives alone or in pairs. They are not aggressive and can live well with other peaceful species. These fish are active and usually swim in the middle waters of the aquarium.
Biotope
Chaetodon blackburnii is found in the western Indian Ocean, along the coasts of Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion. They live mainly in shallow rocky reefs and calm bays with limited coral growth. The bottom of their natural habitat usually consists of rocks and coral rubble.
Diet
In the wild:
Chaetodon blackburnii feeds on coral polyps, small invertebrates such as crustaceans and worms in the wild.
In the aquarium:
In the aquarium, they can be fed a diet of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, and enriched black worms. It is important to feed them several times a day to meet their nutritional needs.
Do Not Feed:
Avoid feeding them foods that do not match their natural diet, such as dry foods or foods that are not high in protein. Chaetodon blackburnii is not reef safe, as they eat coral polyps.
The Aquarium
Aquarium Size:
A minimum 160 gallon (650 liter) aquarium is recommended for keeping Chaetodon blackburnii. For multiple pairs, an even larger aquarium is needed.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be set up with plenty of rocks and hiding places, as well as open swimming areas. A substrate of fine sand or coral rubble is ideal.
Water Conditions:
The best water conditions for this species are a temperature of 22-28°C, a pH of 8.0-8.5, and a salinity of 1.020-1.026.
Introduction to the aquarium:
It is best to introduce this species into a well-matured aquarium so that there are sufficient algae and microorganisms present.
Compatibility:
Chaetodon blackburnii can live well with peaceful fish such as clownfish, surgeonfish, and other butterflyfish. Avoid aggressive species and species that compete for the same food.
Breeding Chaetodon blackburnii
There are no documented cases of successful breeding of Chaetodon blackburnii in captivity. Therefore, there are no specific recommendations for a breeding tank or conditioning.
Particularities
Chaetodon blackburnii is a species that is rarely found in the trade due to its specific diet and the difficulty of keeping it in captivity. Despite its less striking coloration compared to other butterflyfish, it is valued for its hardiness and unique appearance.
Conclusion
Chaetodon blackburnii is a challenging but fascinating species for advanced aquarists. They require a large tank with specific water parameters and a diet that mimics their natural feeding habits. Although they are not reef safe, they can be a wonderful addition to a fish-only tank. Keeping this species can be a rewarding experience for those who are willing to meet their specific needs.
Author
John de Lange
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