Where to buy Merten's Butterflyfish
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About Merten's Butterflyfish
Merten's Butterflyfish is a deep-bodied, disc-shaped fish with predominantly yellow coloration on the head, body, and dorsal fin. A distinctive black band runs from the nape through the eye, and the posterior body is dusky blue-gray. The pectoral and anal fins display yellow with darker margins, and the caudal fin is yellow with dark edges.
Key facts
- Max Size
- 5
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa through Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and Samoa, typically found in deeper outer reef habitats and drop-offs at depths of 20–60 meters.
- Feeding Schedule
- 2-3 times daily
- Diet Details
- In captivity, offer a varied diet of small meaty foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, supplemented with high-quality marine flakes and small pellets. Include occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-enriched foods.
- Appearance
- Merten's Butterflyfish is a deep-bodied, disc-shaped fish with predominantly yellow coloration on the head, body, and dorsal fin. A distinctive black band runs from the nape through the eye, and the posterior body is dusky blue-gray. The pectoral and anal fins display yellow with darker margins, and the caudal fin is yellow with dark edges.
- Difficulty Level
- Merten's Butterflyfish is moderately challenging for hobbyists due to its requirement for excellent water quality and consistent feeding regimes. Acclimation can be slow, and the species may initially refuse food in captivity, necessitating patience and specialized care.
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Min tank size
- 75 gallons
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 75-gallon tank (preferably 100+ gallons) • Stable water: pH 8.1–8.3, salinity 1.023–1.025, temp 72–78°F • Strong, varied lighting (coral-spectrum LEDs/T5) • Plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter • Varied diet: LPS/soft coral, small crustaceans, quality flake/pellet
- Common Health Issues
- Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), Marine velvet (Oodinium ocellatum), Parasitic infections, Loss of appetite during acclimation
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Diet
- omnivore
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