Spotfin Butterflyfish

The Spotfin Butterflyfish is one of the most commonly encountered butterflyfish species in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, recognized by its compressed, disc-shaped body with a distinctive dark spot on the rear margin of the dorsal fin. Its body is primarily white to pale yellow with a faint yellowish wash, and a prominent dark band runs vertically through the eye. Juveniles display an additional dark spot on the soft dorsal fin and a dark bar on the caudal peduncle.

In the wild, the Spotfin Butterflyfish inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds where it feeds on a mixed diet of coral polyps, polychaete worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. This dietary flexibility makes it more adaptable to captive feeding than many butterflyfish species, though it is not reef-safe due to its tendency to pick at coral polyps and sessile invertebrates.

The Spotfin Butterflyfish adapts reasonably well to aquarium life and makes an attractive addition to larger fish-only marine systems. It is peaceful by nature and coexists well with a variety of tankmates. This species requires a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters and benefits from a larger tank to accommodate its active swimming habits. Its availability from Caribbean collectors and its relative hardiness compared to many butterflyfish make it a viable option for intermediate aquarists.