Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon Daedalma)

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Species Name : Chaetodon Daedalma

Care Level : Intermediate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5.9 inches

Origin : Japan

Family : Chaetodontidae

Minimum Tank Size : 100 gallons

The Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon Daedalma) primarily lives in the Pacific Ocean near Japan. The reason that this species of butterflyfish has its name is the metallic black color of its body.

Chaetodon Daedalma is mainly metallic black in colour with yellow margins to the dorsal, anal and caudal fin. The body has some markings resembling a cross hatch in pattern. The scales, have pale yellow centres and broad black margins forming a lattice or netted pattern. This species attains a maximum total length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in).

A very hardy species, and best maintained in larger peaceful fish-only aquariums, especially those with lots of open swimming space, live rock hiding places, and having micro and macroalgae growths. 

They ignore most other fish and are generally peaceful, therefore multiple Butterflyfish will have no problem living together. One should however be cautious about keeping similar species together unless they are a couple. This species sometimes nibbles at clams including Tridacna species.

As to diet, this species is said to be an excellent browser of filamentous algae, therefore flake foods, especially those containing Spirulina and/or Nori should be offered, as should a meaty diet of live fortified brine shrimp, black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus), and/or various frozen meaty foods such as mysis, and overall be offered several times daily.