Gurnard Dragonet

Gurnard Butterflyfish

The Gurnard Butterflyfish is a striking species with a unique combination of bold black bands and warm orange accents. Its distinct pattern and elegant profile make it a favourite among marine enthusiasts. While it adds beauty and interest to the tank, it may require a bit of extra care to ensure it thrives in captivity.

Scientific Name:

Chaetodon guttatissimus

Reef Safe:

Yes

General Size Specifications:

Can grow up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length.

Habitat:

Native to the Indian Ocean, particularly around coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. It prefers areas with plenty of crevices and hiding places.

Approximate Lifespan:

Typically lives up to 8–10 years in well-maintained aquarium conditions.

Feeding and Diet:

This species is omnivorous and feeds on coral polyps, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, it requires a varied diet including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.

Breeding:

Breeding in captivity is extremely uncommon. They are pelagic spawners in the wild and require very specific environmental conditions to reproduce.