Only a few groups of tropical sea ​​fish boast colors as colorful as butterfly fish. This marine family is the scientific name Chaetodontidae, from Ancient Greek meaning "brush-toothed" - includes 114 various types, representatives of 10 genera; at the same time Chaetodon presented the largest number species. Most representatives are found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region; only four species were found in the eastern part Pacific Ocean and 13 species in the Atlantic Ocean.

The commercial name of these fish is associated with the bright body color (mainly yellow, white and black, with a huge number of variations) of many species. The coloration of these fish usually includes an "eye" (small spot) located at the base of the caudal fin, which most likely represents an adaptation and a defensive response to predators (predators, especially in the sensitive world of coral reefs, will tend to think that the fish larger than in reality. This eye also reduces the likelihood of small predators, in particular saber-toothed blennies, biting the fins). The highly compressed, disc-shaped body shape allows these fish to easily move between crevices and bends of reefs; Even if they are not fast, they are not easy for reef predators to catch.

Most species are about 20 cm in length, with a pronounced jaw, which in some species, e.g. Forcipigerflavissimus, may constitute about 25% of the total body length. If the fish feeds only on coral polyps, it usually has a shortened snout, but for invertebrate lovers, the snout is elongated and narrow to get prey from small holes and cracks. Planktivorous species are characterized by a protruding jaw for capturing small prey that moves freely in the water.

Photo 1. Large longnose butterfly fish ( Forcipigerflavissimus) is one of the most common species on the aquarium market.

Photo 2. Brown butterflyfish ( Chaetodonkleinii) is an excellent pet for novice aquarists:
easily adapts and does not cause difficulties with feeding.

Photo 3: Threadfin butterflyfish ( Chaetodonauriga) is another suitable option for large aquariums.
Being a territorial species, they can become aggressive in small aquariums.

Butterflyfish are found in tropical seas around the world, often near coral reefs, and many butterfly species feed constantly or “snack” on coral from time to time (i.e., for some, coral is the main source of food, while for other species, they feed mainly algae, plankton or small invertebrates - something like a dessert).

Coral-eating species are highly territorial, usually living in pairs throughout their lives—long-term monogamy that is rare in the animal kingdom. Butterfly fish do not have pronounced dimorphism: male and female individuals are similar, although males are sometimes slightly larger.

Butterflyfish reproduction begins with external fertilization (fertilization), at least in several species studied; As a rule, fertilization occurs at dawn, after a complex courtship process. The fertilized eggs are then released into the current, where they remain until they hatch. There is a drop of oil in the yolk sac, allowing the newly hatched larvae to float on the surface. When the larvae reach approximately 5 mm in length (this stage is called "tholichthys", characteristic only of marine fish) a hard coating appears on the heads of the fish, which turns into dorsal and abdominal spines. These larvae remain planktonic for two months or more, and then the protective coating is absorbed and the larvae can descend at night, quickly transforming into young butterflyfish.

Photo 4: Example of a butterfly fish to avoid: Dressy butterfly fish ( Chaetodonornatissimus) – feeds on corals.

Photo 5: Chaetodondecussatus– a possible candidate for living in a spacious aquarium with high water quality.

Photo 6: Long-finned banner fish ( Heniochusacuminatus) is a peace-loving butterfly fish,
which is easy to keep in an aquarium.

Juvenile butterflyfish are capable of living in environments different from those of adults; usually at shallower depths in branching corals or mangrove roots. At the next stage, some young individuals form large groups, but more often live alone, while some take on the functions of cleaner fish. After approximately 1 year, the fish reach sexual maturity. The lifespan of butterfly fish is about three years or more; larger species live longer.

The territory area of ​​butterfly fish depends on their species, and can vary from several square meters to a very impressive space, which depends mainly on the availability of food. Iorian biologists use some coral-eating animals, such as butterflyfish, as health indicators coral reef. If the reef is in good condition, it coexists/gets along well with numerous species of butterfly fish: their presence is proof of the good overall health of the ecosystem.

Butterfly fish are found quite often in aquariums, despite the fact that some species are very difficult to keep in an aquarium. It is for this reason, as well as for the safety of the entire aquarium and the health of the “butterfly” itself, that it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the species of the potential inhabitant of your system. So, knowing the eating habits of each type will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Photo 7: Another example of a butterfly fish that should be avoided due to its special requirements in
food plan: Butterfly-raccoon Chaetodonlunula

Photo 8: Saddleback butterflyfish ( Chaetodonephippium). Representatives of this species can be kept in aquariums, but they are very demanding on water quality and the availability of free space (representatives of this species are excellent swimmers and require a large aquarium). IN natural environment they feed on corals and invertebrates, so best option for their maintenance - a fish aquarium (fish-only).

Photo 9: All types of Coradion (in the photo - coral butterflyfish Coradionmelanopus) are unable to survive in captivity.

I propose to consider several species that are most often found in the aquarium trade.

Representatives of the genus Heniochus, Also known as “banner fish” due to their long dorsal fin. Butterfly fish Heniochus easy to keep in aquariums. In the natural environment, juveniles sometimes act as cleaners, so in aquarium systems they may sometimes nibble on the fins of other fish. One of the most common types is Heniochusacuminatus(but not acuminata, as is sometimes suggested). Adults are planktivores and usually move in pairs. Heniochus a spacious large aquarium is required; They easily accept meat and algae dry food.

Subgenus Chaetodontops (includes the raccoon butterfly, Chaetodonlunula, Pakistani butterfly fish, Chaetodoncollare, and 7 more types: C. auripes, C. fasciatus, C. flavirostris, C. nigropunctatus, C. reticulatus, C. semilarvatus, C. wiebeli). Most of these species feed on invertebrates and algae, although some species feed on corals and are not recommended for aquariums. Pay attention to the muzzle: the less sharp and more rounded, the more likely it is that this is a coral eater. In general, it is better not to buy representatives of this subgenus or to carefully weigh the pros and cons of such a purchase.

Subgenus Rhadophorus. A large group of butterfly fish is represented by 19 species inhabiting shallow coastal reefs. They feed, as a rule, on invertebrates or algae; Depending on the species and food preferences, they feel good in captivity. If the aquarium is too small, they may become aggressive. The most popular species of this group that feel good in the aquarium are the auriga butterfly ( Chaetodon auriga), blackback butterflyfish ( C. melannotus), double-saddled butterflyfish ( C. ulietensis), nomadic butterfly fish ( C. vagabundus), saddleback butterflyfish ( C. ephippium) and lattice butterflyfish ( C. rafflesi). Representatives of this group can be kept in an aquarium, provided the aquarium is of a suitable size and basic maintenance requirements are met; many species are suitable exclusively for fish aquariums (fish-only).

Subgenus Lepidochaetodon. Representatives of this group are distinguished by a rounded body shape and a slightly pointed muzzle; They feed mainly on invertebrates, although some species are planktivorous. This group of butterfly fish includes the brown butterfly fish ( Chaetodonkleinii): I think this species is the easiest to keep in an aquarium, although the coloring of representatives of this species is not as striking as that of other butterfly fish. In their natural environment, these fish feed on invertebrates and algae; in aquariums, they accept dry and frozen food. But: if the aquarium contains leather corals or soft corals, these fish can snack on the corals.

Genus Forcipiger. This group includes only a few species (2 in total, although not so long ago it was discovered in Indonesian Papua the new kind, which has not yet been officially described). One of the representatives of this genus is the frequently encountered longnose butterflyfish ( Forcipigerflavissimus). In their natural environment, these fish use their long, sharp snouts to catch small invertebrates hiding in burrows and cracks in rocks. In aquariums, if you keep them in large aquariums and properly acclimatized, they are quite peaceful, feeding on a variety of dry or frozen food.

Photo 10: Eastern triangle butterflyfish ( ChaetodonBaronessa): feeds on corals, will not survive in an aquarium

Photo 11: Pacific butterflyfish ( Chaetodonulietensis) is an excellent option for an aquarium if you provide it with enough space and proper nutrition

Photo 12: Lattice butterflyfish ( Chaetodonrafflesi) creates many problems, so it is recommended only for experienced aquarists.

Catching butterflies is a favorite pastime of many naturalists, but the sea butterfly fish is visible only to scuba diving enthusiasts. This amazing fish from the bristletooth family lives near reefs. With its bright coloring, this fish resembles a motley butterfly.

The bristletooths got their name from their small teeth, split upwards, and their small mouth and tube-like lips help them get food from the narrow crevices of coral reefs. On average, they grow up to 20 cm. The smallest representatives are 15 cm fish. There are also large specimens, about 30 cm. The dorsal fin, which continues the line of the body, gives this fish a square or triangular shape. They are quite large-headed, with a flattened body and a relatively short caudal fin. The coloring of this fish varies from yellow to orange, sometimes black is also found.

Butterfly fish use their colors to camouflage themselves. Most often these are bright spots or stripes that lead predators astray due to their resemblance to an eye; more often than not, several colors vary there at once. It is this coloring that helps them blend in with the colorful reefs and escape from predators. The most common coloration, predominant in most fish of this species, is a cluster of spots on the caudal fin.

Lattice butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesi).

The natural habitat is salty water oceans in the equatorial and tropical zone. They can be found in parts of the Pacific Ocean, but are more common and in greater numbers in the Caribbean. But their choice of main home remains unchanged - without exception, these are reefs, and occasionally algae. Butterfly fish are amazing housebuilders; they will enthusiastically drive a stranger away from the chosen reef, perfectly distinguish their own from their neighbor, and almost never swim away from their home. Their activity peaks during daylight hours. At night they try to hide in crevices. If you see these fish divided into pairs, let them know mating season. Otherwise they stay in a flock.

They reproduce by free-floating eggs. The fry, emerging from the eggs, have bony fins on their heads for a short period of time. They cannot be called numerous, but they are not classified as endangered either.

In their natural habitat they often become victims of predatory fish. And fishermen love to catch them, because delicious meat. Although there are known cases of butterfly fish poisoning. The fact is that they can feed on the tentacles of poisonous reefs. And, having accumulated a large amount of poison in their body, they can be poisoned and therefore dangerous when eaten. Therefore, if you decide to eat the meat of this fish, remember about ciguatera poisoning.

They practically do not take root in aquariums due to the difficulty of keeping them. Such as salt water and special vitamins. But, even if you manage to create the necessary habitat, they become extremely aggressive in a confined space. Based on all this, and once deciding

The butterfly fish is a member of the bristletooth family. It is a business card. The structure of the body is specific, strongly compressed from the sides. The head is small, the mouth is small with elongated lips, the teeth are thin, bristle-like, and in some species their points are three-pointed. The body is covered with small scales. The dorsal fin is not divided, stretches along the entire body; in some species its front part is elongated and resembles feathers.

Representatives of this family are distinguished by their multicolored coloration with a predominance of yellow, black, silver and brown tones with bright blue, red spots or stripes. Thanks to its unusual coloring, this creature received the photo. The photo clearly demonstrates the extraordinary brightness of its color.

Contrasting colors are a method of camouflage: against the background of a coral reef, the contours of the body are thus erased. There is no age dimorphism (difference in color between adults and fry). The fish are small in size, rarely exceeding 25 cm in length. There are fish with a body height longer, for example, Heniochus species.

Butterfly fish live in tropical seas in the coastal strip. Preference is given to coral reefs and rocky outcrops, as well as areas of the sea with algae thickets. The butterfly fish does not migrate, having settled on one of the reefs, it spends its entire life near it. Some individuals even have a permanent “home” in a crevice they like, and when relatives approach the “house” they actively drive them away. Surprisingly, they do not react in any way to fish from other species of the coral community.

The butterfly fish is very nimble and agile, it is capable of abruptly changing the direction of movement. In case of danger, when approached, it hides in caves and cavities of the reef. She can also “fly”, jumping out of the water, sliding along the surface, catching insects. When “flying,” the pectoral fins are not pressed against the body, but sometimes fold upward.

The marine butterfly fish leads a solitary lifestyle or swims in a small group of 2-3 individuals. They never form large flocks. They feed on a variety of invertebrates, removing them from crevices and collecting them from the surface of reefs or eating them from the skin

The meat of these creatures is edible and is said to be very tasty. But they can be poisoned, since if the fish fed on the tentacles of poisonous actinidia, then the toxins accumulated in the tissues. Severe poisoning - ciguatera - can cause death.

Butterflyfish are very popular in reef aquariums. Several species of these fish can coexist peacefully if the aquarium is large. Moreover, they need to be populated at the same time. Otherwise, the old-timers will drive out the newcomers. They get along with large invertebrates in the aquarium, but perceive small ones only as food. Since the butterfly fish likes to jump out, the aquarium must be partially covered with glass.

Originates from regions of West Africa from the territory of such modern states as the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Niger, Gabon, etc. It lives throughout the Congo River basin in numerous lakes, swamps and whirlpools of small rivers and streams characterized by dense aquatic vegetation and numerous snags.

Brief information:

• Aquarium volume - from 80 l.
• Temperature - 23–30°C
• pH value - 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness - from soft to hard (5-15 dGH)
• Substrate type - any
• Lighting - dim
• Brackish water - no
• Water movement - no
• The size of the fish is up to 12 cm.
• Food - meat
• Temperament - peaceful, little active
• Leads a twilight lifestyle, stays near the surface

Description

The appearance of the fish is quite unusual. When viewed from above, it becomes clear where the name “African Butterfly Fish” came from. Enlarged pectoral fins, more like wings, have two main purposes - camouflage and jumping. Swimming along the surface for a long time, the fish can be mistaken for a dry fallen leaf, but if necessary, with a sharp movement of its wide tail, it is able to jump out of the water a considerable distance, for example, to catch a flying insect or to escape from a predator.
Adults reach a length of about 12 cm, although the large fins and tail make the size appear larger. The main color is gray with dark pigmentation throughout the body. The rays of the fins resemble dotted lines.

Nutrition

Only accepts live and frozen meat products. At home, you can serve bloodworms, brine shrimp, small worms, and various flying insects of suitable size (flies, mosquitoes). It feeds exclusively near the surface, so any food that falls to the bottom will be ignored.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The size of the tank directly depends on the number of inhabitants; when kept alone or in pairs, the recommended volume of the aquarium starts from 80 liters. The design of the lower tier is arbitrary, for example, a dark substrate with driftwood located everywhere. The surface area should contain some floating plants, do not allow overgrowth to fill. Open water should be at least half of the total surface area.
Water conditions have a slightly acidic pH value and low carbonate hardness. It is possible to add several pre-dried leaves, which, during the decomposition process, will saturate the water with tannins and give it a tea-like tint. Leaves are replaced every two weeks or more often.
Any movement of water must be kept to a minimum, which limits the choice of filters. Consult with a specialist first and select the type of device that combines good performance, but does not create an internal flow. The minimum set of equipment also includes a heater, an aerator and a lighting system.
Maintenance of the aquarium comes down to weekly replacement of part of the water (15–20% of the volume) with fresh water, periodic cleaning of the soil from organic waste and glass from plaque.

Behavior and Compatibility

Leads a crepuscular lifestyle and is inactive, except when hunting for surface insects or escaping from predators. The butterfly fish is considered to be quite peaceful, but can be aggressive towards other species living near the surface, in addition, any small fish that can fit into its mouth will soon be eaten. Incompatible with fish, for example, such as fish, which tend to bite off the wide fins of their neighbors.

Breeding/reproduction

Breeding at home is problematic, but possible. If the aquarium contains representatives of other species, then spawning should be carried out in a separate tank, which is filled with water from the main aquarium. The design uses clusters of floating shade-loving plants, any soil, or without it. The equipment includes a simple airlift sponge filter and a heater. The amount of light coming from the room will be enough.
A couple of fish are placed in a prepared tank. Over the course of 3 weeks, the water level is gradually reduced; by the end of the period, about half of the total volume should remain. At this point, the hydrochemical composition is brought to a slightly acidic pH value and temperatures to 26–28°C. Then, over the course of 2-3 days, cool water is added in portions, the temperature drops to 23°C. Such actions imitate natural conditions when the dry season gives way to the rainy season.
At the last stage, spawning occurs, the female releases up to 100 eggs per day for several days. They are lighter than water and immediately float to the surface. Parental instincts are poorly developed, so the eggs should be removed into a separate temporary container so that the fish do not eat them. At the end of spawning, the eggs and new parents are returned to their places.
The fry appear on the 3rd–4th day and are able to take only live microscopic food, and they do not swim in search of food, so you will have to bury food directly in front of them using a pipette. Feeding the young and eating the main problem in breeding African butterfly fish.

Fish diseases

A balanced diet and suitable living conditions are the best guarantee against the occurrence of diseases in freshwater fish, so if the first symptoms of the disease appear (changes in color, behavior), the first thing you should do is check the condition and quality of the water, if necessary, return all values ​​to normal, and only then proceed treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatment methods in the section "

Butterfly fish, butterfly fish or pantadon (Pantodon buchholzi) - names of the same freshwater fish, which lives in the tropics. This fish belongs to the Aravanidae family (Osteoglossidae), although more recently they were separated into a separate moth family (Pantodontidae). The freshwater butterflyfish is closely related to the Aravanidae and has no relation to the marine coral butterflyfish.

Butterfly fish lives in fresh, stagnant bodies of water with slightly acidified water. The homeland of this fish is the reservoirs of Western and Central Africa: the Zambezi River, Niger and Congo, Gabon, Uema, Benin, Jong Lake Chad. Inhabits creeks, streams, swamps, river basins, which are densely overgrown with plants, with a water temperature of +23 - +30°C. Sometimes it can be found in small lakes, which are hidden in the thicket of the forest.

The butterfly fish has a unique body shape and coloration. Its dimensions are small - up to 12 cm in length. The body is compressed on the sides, the head and back are slightly flattened from above. The pectoral fin is wide and large, similar to wings. There are four pelvic fins, they have long filamentous rays that are located under the pectoral fin.

The dorsal fin is short and located just in front of the tail. The dorsal fin has 6 soft rays, the anal fin has 9-15 rays, in males the rays from the middle of this fin, during the spawning period, form a copulatory organ in the form of a tube. The tail is long and pointed at the end, with two elongated rays.

The coloring of females and males is the same, although males look brighter. Top part the body of the fish has a brown-green color with alternating regular stripes and spots, while the lower part is colored yellow and has dark spots. The fins are brown-pink. The scales shimmer with a silver-golden color, are cycloid, large, and round in shape.

Most often, butterfly fish swim near the surface of the water, spreading their pectoral fins to the sides, which touch the surface, and lowering their abdominal fins down. It hides under the large leaves of aquatic plants. It is a nocturnal predator and can pick up fallen insects on the surface of the water or catch them.

It catches its prey in flight: it jumps out of the water and, with the help of large pectoral fins, soars across the surface of the water. This flight is reminiscent of the flight of a butterfly, which is why the fish got its name. The fish's body is well adapted to such flights: a vascularized swim bladder, which allows it to breathe oxygen from the air at the surface of the water; nostrils that protrude in the form of small tubes and wing fins.

The upper mouth has a large number of teeth and is well adapted for capturing prey from the surface of the water. The position of the eyes on the body allows them to constantly inspect the water surface. The fish can use its flight-jump in case of danger, escaping from predators. It can fly over the surface of the water at a distance of 2-3m. In addition to insects, this fish can also feed on small fish and crustaceans.

Butterfly fish exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males are brighter in color and smaller, and also have a deep cut in the anal fin, which can be used to distinguish a female from a male.

Fish breed in the spring. Spawning games usually occur in the evening or at night (in the dark) and last for quite a long time. The male swims slowly, circling the female in spirals in front of her, periodically copulating with her. The number of copulations is 5-10.

Sperm, introduced once by a male, most likely retain their vital activity for a long time, since subsequent laying of eggs sometimes occurs without secondary fertilization. Transformation with metamorphosis. As a result, this fish goes through the following stages: eggs, larva, fry, adult.

The eggs are large, dark brown in color, and contain fat droplets, thanks to which they float to the surface. The eggs hatch into larvae 48-64 hours after fertilization, after which they sink to the bottom. After the yolk sac disappears from the larva, it, already a fry, rises to the surface of the water. The fry are predators from birth and feed on very small live food.

Thanks to such a bright appearance and relatively simple conditions habitat, this fish came to Europe. This type of fish was brought from Africa to Europe in 1905. This fish attracted people with its unusual appearance and many wanted to keep it at home. For a long time Breeding it in captivity did not work, and only in 1912 did the Berlin aquarist Lehmann manage to obtain offspring. And now this type of fish has not lost its popularity among aquarists.

The conditions for keeping it in the aquarium are as follows. The butterfly fish feels comfortable and safe in a large shaded aquarium among floating plants with huge leaves that spread on the surface of the water. It is recommended to keep these fish in low, wide aquariums.

If you keep one fish, then an aquarium with a volume of 40 liters or more is suitable, but if there are several fish, then 70 liters, provided there are no other aquarium fish. The top of the aquarium should be covered with glass, and there should be a distance of 10 cm between the surface of the water and the glass. The water temperature should be 24-26°C, soft water with a pH of 6.5-7.0.

They take food from the surface of the water; they prefer various small insects - crickets, cockroaches, flies, as well as insect larvae and small fish. Before feeding, microdoses of vitamins and hormones are often added to such food. If such food is not available, it can be replaced with pieces raw meat, shrimp, shellfish.

You can also teach them to eat special dry concentrated food, but the fish may develop vitamin deficiency. Its signs are the fish lowering into the middle layers of water or to the bottom of the aquarium (if this is not fear or sleep).

Quite aggressive behavior towards fish that live in upper layers water of the aquarium, if the neighboring fish fits into their mouth, they can eat it. Neighboring fish that occupy the middle layers and the bottom of the aquarium are treated neutrally. At the same time, butterfly fish themselves can suffer from other predators in the aquarium; their fins, with long rays lowered into the water, can be bitten.

They should be kept with large non-aggressive fish of the upper and middle levels and bottom aquarium fish. The vegetation of the aquarium is dense, but there should be empty areas of it. Breeding butterfly fish is quite problematic, since it requires constant care for itself and its offspring, but it is possible.

To do this, you need to lower the water level in the aquarium by a few centimeters (for 1-2 weeks), add soft acidified water to shift the pH to a more acidic side and increase the water temperature to 26-30 ° C. With the help of such manipulations you can induce spawning in fish under artificial conditions.

Spawning, just like in the natural environment, is accompanied by stormy mating games which last about a week. After several copulations, the female is usually placed in a separate aquarium with a capacity of about 50 liters. Fertilization is internal. As the female matures, she spawns from 80 to 220 already fertilized brownish eggs with a diameter of about 1.5 mm.

After the eggs rise to the surface, they need to be collected so as not to be eaten by fish, using a spoon and moved to the incubator. Incubation period lasts 48-64 hours, after which the larvae emerge from the shell, breaking it, and sink to the bottom.

There are cases when mature larvae cannot get out of their shell, in this case it is recommended to collect the eggs and throw them into the aquarium from a small height; hitting the surface of the water will help the larvae to free themselves. If this procedure is not carried out, the offspring will die by suffocation.

After complete resorption of the gall sac, the fry rise to the surface of the water and begin to eat. At first, they do not actively catch or search for food; they feed on small live food that floats up to the mouth.

At the beginning, it is recommended to feed the fry with small food cyclops, daphnia, which float on the surface of the water, and later mosquito larvae and fruit flies of fruit flies can be added to the diet. Juveniles become sexually mature between 12 and 16 months.