Oval Spot Butterflyfish

The Oval Spot Butterflyfish is a handsome and moderately hardy species named for the prominent dark oval spot displayed on its mid-flanks. Its body is a bright lemon yellow, and the large oval marking provides a bold focal point that makes this species easy to identify among its butterflyfish relatives. The face features the characteristic dark eye bar common to the family, and the overall impression is of a clean, attractively marked fish with a sunny disposition.

Chaetodon speculum is found throughout the Western Pacific, where it inhabits coral-rich reef slopes, lagoons, and outer reef faces. In the wild, it feeds on a mixture of coral polyps, small invertebrates, and algae. In captivity, this species is considered moderately hardy and will typically accept frozen and prepared foods after an initial acclimation period, making it more manageable than the obligate corallivore species within the genus.

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