Chaetodon paucifasciatus

Chaetodon paucifasciatus, commonly known as the Eritrean butterflyfish, is a small butterflyfish very similar looking to C. madagaskariensis. Their base colour is white with a red area just in front of the caudal fin, all the way from the dorsal till the anal fin. In the caudal fin they've a vertical red band as well. On their body they've many black spots forming V-shaped lines facing backwards. They've the typical vertical eye bar, but that is orangish instead of black and a 'crown' spot on their forehead. The difference between C. paucifasciatus and C. madagaskariensis, is that C. paucifasciatus is more red instead of orange and the eye bar is a different colour. The black pattern is also slightly different upon closer inspection.

These fish are quite peaceful to most other fish, but might haress similar looking fish. They usually live in pairs or in s small group in coral or rubble areas. In an aquarium they can best be kept alone unless a proven pair can be bought. They're real omnivores feeding on all sort of worms, small invertebrates and algae, but they're also facultative corallivores, meaning they do eat but don't need corals. And this species is known to eat gorgonians as well. This makes them a risk in a reef tanks though, but a perfect pick for a fish-only tank! Feed them a varied diet of live and frozen meaty foods, but make sure to also include algae based foods like pellets and flakes, to make them really happy!