Chaetodon punctatofasciatus

Chaetodon punctatofasciatus, commonly known as the Spotband butterflyfish, is a small butterflyfish. Their base colour is cream-white which becomes more orangish yellow towards the dorsal fin, but this is a quite variable species so some individuals might have more yellow than others. On their body they've countless spots which from vertical stripes in the upper half of their body. These lines are sometimes a little scribbbled in some individuals. The caudal fin base is bright orange and in the caudal fin runs a black vertical stripe. The eyebar is orange/yellow with a thin black outline in this species. Around the dorsal fin runs a bright yellow rim and the anal fin rim is more white like the pelvic fins. They look very similar to C. pelewensis, but pelewensis has diagonal stripes compared to the vertical stripes in C. punctofasciatus.

These fish are quite peaceful to most other fish, but might haress similar looking fish. They live usually solitary as juveniles and as pairs as adults in coral rich areas. In an aquarium they can best be kept alone unless a proven pair can be found. They're omnivores feeding on algae and all sort of invertebrates, but they're also facultative corallivores, meaning they do eat, but don't need corals. This makes them a risk in a reef tank, but a perfect pick for a fish-only tank! Feed them a varied diet of live and frozen meaty foods to make them thrive!