Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Chaetodon

Chaetodon excelsa

(Jordan, 1921)

Hawaiian Gold-barred Butterflyfish

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Hawaiian Islands and Guam.

Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits deep rocky areas at depths of about 85 – 985 feet (25 – 300 m) and feeds on zooplankton/ benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Rarely ever collected for the trade because limited collection areas, and collection depths that require decompression stops when the specimen is brought to the surface, makes this species very expensive. Furthermore, it is somewhat drab when compared to many others in this genus, having a whitish body with three vertical brown bands, one passing through the eyes and a black eyespot on the upper aft dorsal fin.

Unfortunetly there is extremely little aquarium husbandry information on this species. Should you have some data on this species, share it with me so I may post it for others to see.

FYI: May now be in the Roa genus, along with, Roa jayakari, Roa modestus and possibly a new species, Roa australis.

Experience Level: Professional

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: No

Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F (23 – 26°C)

 Chaetodon excelsa (Hawaiian Gold-barred Butterflyfish)
Photo © John Randall
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