{"product_id":"blue-dot-dash-butterflyfish-chaetodon-guttatissimus","title":"Blue Dot-Dash Butterflyfish -Chaetodon guttatissimus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Dot-Dash Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guttatissimus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Dot-Dash Butterflyfish (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChaetodon guttatissimus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is an elegant Indian Ocean butterflyfish recognised by its pale silver-white body, fine dark spotting, yellow fins and contrasting black eye band. Also known as the Peppered Butterflyfish or Spotted Butterflyfish, it inhabits coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes where it feeds on coral polyps, marine worms and algae. Its delicate pattern and manageable adult size make it visually desirable, but its specialist natural diet and sensitivity during acclimatisation mean it is best reserved for experienced marine fishkeepers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Dot-Dash Butterflyfish, Peppered Butterflyfish, Spotted Butterflyfish, Peppered Coralfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChaetodon guttatissimus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUp to approximately 12 cm in total length. Although relatively compact for a butterflyfish, it remains an active reef swimmer requiring generous open space and mature rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the tropical Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and East African coast southwards to South Africa and eastwards through island groups including the Seychelles, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Christmas Island and Cocos Islands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt inhabits coral-rich lagoons and seaward reef slopes, usually at depths of approximately 3–25 metres. Individuals may be encountered alone, in pairs or in small groups, remaining close to areas of healthy coral growth and complex reef structure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: 1.023–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish, although it may become territorial towards other butterflyfish, particularly similar-looking species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is easily intimidated by large or highly aggressive tank mates and should be maintained with calm fish that will not continually chase it or prevent it from feeding. A single specimen is suitable for most aquariums, while a compatible pair requires additional space and careful introduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn omnivore with specialised feeding habits. In nature, it consumes coral polyps, polychaete worms, algae and other small benthic organisms picked from reef surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely grated mussel, clam, prawn, krill and specialist frozen butterflyfish preparations containing sponge or marine invertebrate material. Marine algae and spirulina-based foods may also be accepted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly imported specimens can be reluctant to recognise prepared foods. Pressing soft food into coral skeletons or rock crevices may encourage natural picking behaviour. Several small meals should be offered throughout the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with a tank length of at least 120 cm preferred.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA larger aquarium is advisable for a pair or when maintaining the fish alongside other active butterflyfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn active daytime fish that spends much of its time swimming around coral and rock structures while carefully picking at surfaces for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt usually occupies the middle and lower areas of the aquarium and benefits from a combination of open swimming room, caves, overhangs and mature rockwork. Newly introduced specimens may remain secretive until they feel secure and begin feeding confidently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild individuals are frequently observed in pairs or small groups. Established aquarium specimens may defend a preferred feeding area from similar butterflyfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNot Reef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Dot-Dash Butterflyfish naturally consumes coral polyps and is likely to nip both small-polyp and large-polyp stony corals. Soft corals, zoanthids, tube worms and other sessile invertebrates may also be investigated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt should not be considered suitable for a valuable mixed reef aquarium. The species is best maintained in a mature fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock system where its feeding behaviour can be managed without risking corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species should only be purchased when it can be confirmed to be feeding. Avoid specimens with a pinched abdomen, damaged mouth, cloudy eyes or a persistent refusal of all offered foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce it to a mature, fully cycled aquarium containing extensive established rockwork and natural benthic growth. A sterile or recently established system is unlikely to provide sufficient supplementary grazing opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer food several times each day and monitor body condition closely. Butterflyfish can lose weight rapidly even when they appear to investigate food, so confirm that the fish is actually swallowing its meals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide strong oxygenation, stable water chemistry and efficient filtration. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, salinity or pH during acclimatisation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep with peaceful tank mates and avoid aggressive tangs, triggers, large angelfish or territorial butterflyfish that may prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA carefully managed quarantine period is recommended, although treatment must be approached cautiously because butterflyfish may be sensitive to some medications. Maintain excellent water quality and observe closely for marine white spot, velvet, flukes and bacterial damage around the mouth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during introduction and acclimatisation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46901965586605,"sku":"AG-104159","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46901965619373,"sku":"AG-104160","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46901965652141,"sku":"AG-104161","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlueDot-DashButterflyfish-Chaetodonguttatissimus.jpg?v=1785077987","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/blue-dot-dash-butterflyfish-chaetodon-guttatissimus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}