Animal-World > Marine - Saltwater Fish > Butterflyfish > Merten's Butterflyfish

Merten's Butterflyfish

Atoll Butterflyfish    

Family: ChaetodontidaeChaetodon mertensiiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   Think you've seen this fish someplace before? Well, that's because there are three other very similar Chaetodon butterflyfish that look a lot like the Mertens Butterflyfish! All four are more often identified by where they come from rather than from their looks.

   The Mertens Butterflyfish is closely related to the Philippine Chevron Butterflyfish, Chaetodon xanthurus. It will sometimes rid reef aquariums of the dreaded aiptasia anemone. The similar looking species, the Eritrean butterflyfish Chaetodon paucifasciatus is found in the Red Sea.

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

Habitat: Natural geographic location:    The Mertens Butterflyfish is native to the Great Barrier Reef, New Guinea, as far east as the Tuamotu Islands and west to the east coast of Africa. They are found at depths of 15 to 20 meters (50 to 66 ft.).

Maintenance difficulty:    The Mertens Butterflyfish is medium difficult to keep.

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:    Listed as omnivores, they eat both algae and protein foods.

Social Behaviors:    Juveniles are found in groups while adults are usually solitary, only sometimes are they seen in pairs. They are timid and not often seen in the wild. They are not belligerent to other aquarium residents.

Sexual differences:    Unknown.

Light: Recommended light levels:    No special requirements.

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

Temperature:    No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 75 and 79 degrees.

Length/Diameter of fish:    Mertens Butterflyfish adults can grow to 12.5 cm (5 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:    A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is recommended. Provide rockwork and hiding places.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong    No special requirements.

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

Availability:    This fish is available from time to time and is inexpensive.

Author: David Brough. CFS.

Lastest Comments on Merten's Butterflyfish View all 2 comments on Merten's Butterflyfish Add Your Comment

garret - 2003-11-16 these fish are great! your website really helped me out. thanks a bunch! Reply

Allison - 2003-11-16 Mertens Butterflyfish are great! From your web page i got the info. on a report for my science teacher, and a great fish to match. i will visit this site more often. thank you animal-world! -Allie R. Reply

Add your comment!

View all 2 comments on Merten's Butterflyfish

Back to Butterflyfish