Bluelashed Butterflyfish

The Bluelashed Butterflyfish is one of the most strikingly beautiful members of the butterflyfish family, instantly recognizable by the brilliant blue curved lines that radiate around each eye like delicate lashes. Its body is a vibrant lemon yellow, and a large dark ocellus (eyespot) is prominently displayed on the flank, bordered by a pale ring. This combination of features makes it one of the most photographed butterflyfish on Indo-Pacific reefs.

In the wild, Chaetodon bennetti is found on coral-rich reef slopes and lagoons, where it feeds primarily on coral polyps, particularly those of Acropora species. This dietary preference makes it unsuitable for reef aquariums and presents a significant challenge in captivity, as transitioning to prepared foods can be difficult. However, with patience and a varied diet approach, many specimens will eventually accept frozen offerings supplemented with live foods.

This species is peaceful toward other fish and does best in a well-established fish-only aquarium with abundant live rock for grazing. It should be housed singly or as a mated pair, and tankmates should be chosen carefully to avoid overly aggressive species that might stress this somewhat sensitive fish. While moderately difficult to maintain, its exceptional beauty makes it a prized specimen for dedicated marine aquarists.