Chaetodon citrinellus – Speckled Butterflyfish
TChaetodon citrinellus was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1831. This fish belongs to the family Chaetodontidae, which is also known as the Butterflyfish. 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), which refers to the brush-like teeth of these fish. The species name “citrinellus” means “lemon-colored” and refers to the yellow color of the fish. Their common name is Speckled Butterflyfish or Lemon Butterflyfish. One of the reasons I prefer scientific names is that common names vary across regions, in Dutch we use Lemon Butterflyfish for Chaetodon mililaris).
Synonyms: Chaetodon nigripes, Chaetodon citrinellus semipunctatus, Exornator exornator citrinellus.
Description
Appearance:
Chaetodon citrinellus has an oval-shaped body with a white to yellow color covered with numerous small black dots. The head has a black band that runs through the eye and the fins are mostly transparent with a black border along the anal fin. 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 have also not been significantly documented.
Behavior and temperament:
Chaetodon citrinellus is generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards conspecifics. They usually live solitary, in pairs or in small groups. These fish are shy and tend to hide between rocks and corals. They are mainly bottom dwellers but also swim in midwaters.
Life expectancy:
There is no specific information on the life expectancy of Chaetodon citrinellus in the wild or in captivity.
Biotope
Chaetodon citrinellus is found in the Indo-West and Central Pacific oceans, including the East African coast, southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Great Barrier Reef. They live primarily in coral reefs, lagoons, and shallow waters with scattered corals. Their natural habitats are rocky and coral-rich areas with a sandy or gravel bottom. They have no documented natural predators, but they are predators themselves, feeding on small invertebrates and algae.
Diet
In the wild:
Chaetodon citrinellus feeds on coral polyps, algae, polychaete worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
In the aquarium:
In the aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet consisting of algae, Spirulina, Nori, and meaty foods such as enriched brine shrimp and black worms. They are not completely reef-safe as they may occasionally nibble on corals.
The Aquarium
Aquarium Size:
A minimum 600-liter aquarium is required for a single Chaetodon citrinellus. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium of at least 1200 liters is recommended.
Setting up:
The aquarium should be set up with plenty of rocks and corals to provide hiding places as well as open swimming areas. A sand or gravel substrate is suitable.
Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters are a temperature between 23°C and 28°C, a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, and a salinity of 1.020 to 1.026.
Introduction:
This species should be introduced into a well-matured aquarium with sufficient algae.
Compatibility:
Chaetodon citrinellus can live well with peaceful fish such as clownfish, surgeonfish, and other non-aggressive species.
Breeding in the Aquarium
There is little documented information regarding captive breeding of Chaetodon citrinellus.
Particularities
Chaetodon citrinellus is a fish that is often used against an infestation of glass anemones, although not all fish will actually eat them. They are susceptible to various diseases and require a well-maintained aquarium to remain healthy.
Conclusion
Chaetodon citrinellus is a beautiful but challenging fish to keep in an aquarium. They require a large, well-equipped aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a varied diet. Although they are not completely reef-safe, they can live with other peaceful fish under the right conditions. This species is more suited to advanced aquarists due to their specific care requirements and susceptibility to disease.
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
