Latticed Butterflyfish

The Latticed Butterflyfish is one of the more visually captivating members of the genus Chaetodon, featuring a bright yellow body covered with a striking crosshatch or lattice pattern formed by dark scale margins. A dark band passes through the eye and a darker posterior margin edges the tail area, creating a clean and geometric appearance. This species inhabits coral-rich reefs in the Indo-Pacific, typically found in shallow lagoons and along outer reef slopes.

Despite its attractive appearance, the Latticed Butterflyfish is considered one of the more challenging butterflyfish to maintain in captivity. It is a specialized feeder that primarily consumes coral polyps, mucus, and small polychaete worms in the wild, and many specimens are reluctant to transition to prepared aquarium foods. Success with this species often depends on offering live foods such as blackworms and live brine shrimp initially, then gradually introducing frozen mysis shrimp and enriched preparations.

This species is not reef safe due to its strong preference for consuming coral polyps and soft coral tissue. It requires a well-established fish-only or FOWLR aquarium with extensive live rock for shelter and natural grazing opportunities. The Latticed Butterflyfish is a peaceful species that should be kept singly and shielded from aggressive tankmates that might outcompete it for food.