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South African Butterflyfish

Doublesash Butterflyfish

Family: ChaetodontidaeChaetodon marleyiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Lee Nieuwoudt

   The South African Butterflyfish is found only near the southern tip of South Africa. They are rarely exported from South Africa and are seldom seen in the aquarium trade.

   The South African Butterflyfish in the picture above was collected on the Durban Coast of South Africa. They are the only butterflyfish that occurs in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. There is evidence, published by M.J. Penrith, a South African Scientist, showing that C. hoefleri of the West African coast is identical to C. marleyi.

For more Information on keeping marine fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Geographic Distribution Chaetodon marleyi Data provided by FishBase.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Chaetodontidae

Habitat: Natural geographic location:    This fish, the South African Butterflyfish, is native to the most of the South African coastline from Lambert's Bay on the Atlantic side of the Cape of Good Hope, to Delagoa Bay just north of the South Africa-Mozambique border. They live in variable habitats including rock, coral reefs, and estuaries where it lives among weeds. They are found at depths up to 120 meters (393 ft.).

Maintenance difficulty:    I have no information about the difficulty of care for this species. I know of only one person, Lee Nieuwoudt, who has kept the South African Butterflyfish.

Maintenance:    It is important that you feed Butterfly fish a good variety of live, frozen, and prepared formula foods with emphasis on vegetables and spirulina. These foods can include live brine, flakes, and frozen foods of all kinds including Formula I, Formula II, Angel Formula and spirulina. Several sponge based frozen foods are now available and can also be fed to butterflyfish. Best to feed small amounts several times a day.

Diseases that Marine Butterflyfish are susceptible to:
Marine Ich(white spot disease), Marine Velvet, Uronema marinum, and Lymphocystis

Foods:    Not known although it would be best to treat it as an omnivore, feeding both algae and protein foods.

Social Behaviors:    Unknown.

Sexual differences:    Unknown.

Light: Recommended light levels:    No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction    Probably will not be accomplished in captivity. See the description in Breeding Marine Fish for information on reproductive habits.

Temperature:    Reportedly the South African Butterflyfish does better with cooler temperatures than most butterflyfish. Best to keep between 18 and 20 deg C. (64 - 68 deg. F).

Length/Diameter of fish:    South African Butterflyfish adults can grow to 20.0 cm (8 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:    A minimum 60 gallon aquarium is recommended. Provide rockwork and hiding places.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate    No special requirements, except cooler temperatures are indicated between 18 and 20 deg. C. (64 - 68 deg. F).

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom    Swims all over the aquarium.

Availability:    This fish rarely available exept in South Africa.

Author: David Brough. CFS.

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