Yellow Dotted Butterfly (Asia Pacific)

The Yellow Dotted butterfly is also called the Moon Coralfish- It is named after Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. Its large round shape is pearly white and shimmers like a celestial body. A crescent of pure black shadows its eyes and also its rear body creating a broken circle. Its fins and tail are bright sunny yellow, and tiny speckles arranged in sweeping lines radiating out of its eyes decorate its flanks. It grows up to 6 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 75 gallons.

This uncommon species is normally quite peaceful and shy, and should not be kept with aggressive tank mates. It can be kept with its own kind or other butterflyfish as long as all specimens are 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. Many species of butterfly also 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 such as crustaceans. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. This species can be difficult to feed and should be offered 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. Bloodworms or small live anemones may be used initially to entice it to feed. Soft food may also be pressed into the rock to provide grazing opportunities. Supplements such as Brightwell's Angelixer and Garlic Power may elicit a feeding response.