Dot Dash Blue Butterfly

Dot Dash Blue Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guttatissimus) – A Delicate Beauty of the Reef

Overview

Graceful and intricately patterned, the Spotted Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guttatissimus) is a true jewel of the Indian Ocean.

With its shimmering silver-white body speckled in fine black dots and a bold dark band across its eye, this species exudes elegance.

A delicate black margin frames its tail, adding to its refined appearance.

Found in shallow coral reefs from the Maldives to Indonesia, this butterflyfish is both beautiful and elusive, making it a fascinating yet challenging choice for the home aquarium.

Aquarium Care Guide

???? Tank Setup & Water Conditions

To thrive in captivity, this species requires a spacious and stable marine environment that closely mimics its natural habitat.

• Tank Size: 75–100 gallons minimum (larger is better)
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water Flow: Moderate to strong, mimicking reef currents
• Filtration: Excellent filtration is essential, as butterflyfish are sensitive to poor water quality.

Creating a reef-like setting with plenty of live rock provides hiding spots and potential grazing surfaces, which can encourage natural behaviors.

???? Diet & Feeding – A Challenge for the Dedicated Aquarist

The Spotted Butterflyfish is a picky eater, often relying on coral polyps in the wild. Getting it to accept prepared foods can be tricky, but patience and variety can help.

• Preferred Foods:
  ✅ Live and frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp
  ✅ Specialized marine butterflyfish diets
  ✅ Chopped seafood (clam, squid, shrimp)
  ✅ Marine algae and spirulina

Some individuals may struggle to transition to prepared foods, so providing live rock with natural microfauna can support their diet.

???? Behavior & Tank Mates

This butterflyfish is generally peaceful, making it a great candidate for a community tank with the right companions. However, its reef compatibility is limited.

• Best Tank Mates:
  ✔ Peaceful species like wrasses, gobies, and anthias
  ✔ Cautiously housed with tangs and other non-aggressive fish
• Avoid:
  ❌ Large or aggressive species (triggers, large angels)
  ❌ Small ornamental shrimp, as they may be mistaken for food
  ❌ Fully stocked reef tanks, as it may nip at soft and stony corals

This species can be kept alone or in a bonded pair, but multiple individuals should only be housed in very large tanks to prevent territorial disputes.

Is the Spotted Butterflyfish Right for You?

With its exquisite appearance and gentle demeanor, Chaetodon guttatissimus is a captivating addition to a well-maintained marine tank.

However, due to its specialized diet and sensitivity to water conditions, it is best suited for experienced aquarists.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance butterflyfish, consider alternatives like the Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) or the Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), which are hardier and more adaptable to captivity.