Teardrop Butterfly (Asia Pacific)
A distinctive black spot in the center of its body distinguishes the Teardrop butterfly from all others. The mark appears as a large eyespot with a single tear running from it. Intense lemon yellow covers this fish's fins, and a dark stripe runs over its face and another through its rear fins. It grows up to 8 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.
This species is normally quite peaceful and shy, and should not be kept with aggressive tank mates. It can be kept with its own species and with other butterflyfish but all specimens should be added at the same time to a large aquarium. Butterflyfish do not show differences between males and females. They are related to angelfish, but lack the angel's distinctive cheek spines.
A butterflyfish's favorite food is an anemone, so they should not be kept in the same aquarium with one unless it is guarded by aggressive clownfish. The butterflyfish knows to attack the anemone on its mouth, which does not sting, and will make a quick meal of it. Because of this behavior this species is often employed to rid an aquarium of pest anemones such as Aiptasia. It will benefit from filamentous algae in the aquarium to graze on.
This species may nip on many types of corals, clam mantles, sponges, and feather dusters. They do not typically bother other types of invertebrates with the exception of small crustaceans. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. This species is easy to feed on a variety of meaty and herbivore preparations such as frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, marine algae and Spirulina; it should be fed 2-3 times a day.
