Care
Merten’s Butterflyfish is
known from seaward reefs and deep lagoons (to a depth of 120m/394ft) where it
may be observed singly or in pairs, feeding on small benthic invertebrates and
various algae. This is a relatively hardy species which usually acclimatises
very well to aquarium life if kept in peaceful surroundings. It is often kept
successfully in reef aquaria, providing it is well fed and is housed only with
some of the more noxious soft corals that will not be too palatable - however
caution and careful observation is advised. This fish does best in mature
aquaria containing plenty of live rock for the fish to browse on and forage
amongst. As with all butterflyfishes, this species demands excellent water
quality - thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, with areas of decent current.
Tankmates should be of a peaceable nature, and it is best to keep only one
Merten’s Butterflyfish per tank. Do not house with any other butterflyfish
species – particularly close relatives, as this species will show much
aggression towards them.
Chaetodon
mertensii is replaced by the Pearlscale Butterflyfish (
C. xanthurus) in south-east Asia, and the Redback Butterflyfish (
C. paucifasciatus) in the Red Sea. These
3 species are collectively known as the ‘
xanthurus
complex’. In the wild,
C. mertensii
and
C. xanthurus are known to
hybridise where their ranges overlap. Fish from the Indian Ocean that are sometimes
referred to as ‘
C. madagaskariensis’,
are actually
C. mertensii.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Offer a varied
diet including Mysis, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Angel & Butterfly mix,
and finely chopped krill, prawns, clam etc., plus some greenfoods. Feed small
amounts several times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred
in captivity. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs and scatter their
eggs in open water.
