| Scientific Name | Chaetodon pelewensis |
| Common Names | Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish, Sunset Butterflyfish, Pelewensis Butterflyfish |
| Max Length | 5 inches (12.5 cm) |
| Min Tank Size | 75 gallons (284 liters) |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive; typically calm but may become territorial with conspecifics or similar butterflyfish in smaller tanks. Best housed with peaceful to moderately assertive tankmates. Keep singly or as a bonded pair in larger setups. |
| Reef Safe | ✗ No |
The Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish is a vibrant gem for hobbyists who cherish bold patterns and lively charm in their aquariums. Its golden-yellow body, adorned with black dots and dashes and a striking black eye band, creates a captivating display that brightens any tank. Aquarists are drawn to its active swimming, as it weaves through live rock or explores algae patches, adding dynamic energy to the setup. A 75-gallon tank with ample rockwork and open swimming space accommodates its curious nature, while a varied diet of planktonic and algae-based foods keeps its colors vivid. Though its coral-nipping tendencies make it ideal for fish-only tanks, its stunning appearance and engaging behavior make it a prized choice for experienced keepers dedicated to its care.
Omnivorous; feeds on coral polyps, small invertebrates, and algae in the wild. In aquariums, offer live zooplankton, frozen mysis shrimp, algae-based flakes, or spirulina-enriched pellets. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts. Live rock with algae or live foods may be needed initially to stimulate feeding.
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