Fourspot Butterflyfish

The Fourspot Butterflyfish is a handsome and moderately hardy species recognized by its distinctive pattern of two dark spots on each side of the body—hence the name 'four spot' when both sides are considered. The upper body is dark brown to chocolate colored, transitioning to a bright golden yellow on the lower half and belly. This dramatic two-toned coloration, combined with the characteristic dark eye bar, gives it a bold and distinctive appearance on the reef.

Chaetodon quadrimaculatus is found throughout the Western and Central Pacific, particularly around Hawaii and Micronesia, where it inhabits coral-rich reef slopes and outer reef faces. In the wild, it feeds on a mixture of coral polyps, algae, and small invertebrates. In captivity, this species is considered moderately hardy and will typically accept frozen and prepared foods after an adjustment period, making it more manageable than many obligate corallivore butterflies.

This species is peaceful and makes a good candidate for community fish-only aquariums. While not reef-safe due to its coral-feeding habits, it coexists well with a wide variety of non-aggressive tankmates. The Fourspot Butterflyfish should be kept singly or as a mated pair in a well-established tank with ample live rock for grazing and territorial reference points.