Four Eyed Butterflyfish

Four Eyed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)

The Four-Eyed, or Foureye Butterflyfish, is a stunning yet delicate member of the Chaetodontidae family. It gets its name from the two false eyespots located at the base of its caudal fin, which not only enhance its beauty but also serve to mislead predators. The fish’s creamy-white body is adorned with iridescent stripes that radiate from the center, while a vibrant yellow outline accentuates its outer edges.

The Four-Eyed Butterflyfish is peaceful and should be kept with other non-aggressive tankmates. While a male-female pair can coexist, members of the same sex may exhibit territorial behavior. This species is not suitable for reef aquariums, as it has a penchant for consuming stony corals and gorgonian polyps.

As a carnivore, the Four-Eyed Butterflyfish can be challenging to feed, particularly at first. To encourage eating, offer live, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, clam, and mashed squid or shrimp. Once it begins eating regularly, you can provide mysis shrimp and frozen carnivore preparations. This fish should be fed at least three times a day.