Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Real Reef Rock 

Chaetodon

Chaetodon xanthocephalus

Bennett, 1833

Yellow-Head Butterflyfish

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indian Ocean to the East Coast of Africa

Size: 8 inches - 20 cm

Natural Environment: Inhabits coral reefs at a depth of 3 to 80 feet (1 - 25 m)

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C) and natural diet consists mainly of coral polyps and algae. Provide sufficient rock/cave areas and coral rubble areas. Requires a variety of enriched meaty and green frozen foods with numerous feedings per day. Considered a poor choice for aquariums. Rarely seen in the trade.

Aquarium Suitability: A fish-only aquarium species

 Chaetodon xanthocephalus (Yellow-Head Butterflyfish)
Photo © Bob Fenner
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Ocean Nutrition