Care
The Spot-tail Butterflyfish is known from reef channels, outer reef slopes, and coral-rich flats and lagoons. Here the adults are typically observed in pairs feeding on soft coral polyps such as
Clavularia,
Litophyton,
Nephthia, and
Sarcophyton species, to depths of 50m (164ft), whereas the smaller juveniles tend to stay closer inshore. In the home aquarium, Spot-tail Butterflyfish should be offered plenty of swimming space and a multitude of hiding places. Unfortunately, most soft corals, many stony corals and a whole host of other invertebrates will be picked at and eaten, so these fish are not suitable for reef set-ups. Spot-tail Butterflyfish are best kept singly, as they are more likely to chase conspecifics than many other butterflyfish species. However, in more spacious aquaria, it is possible to keep a known mated pair (although be aware this will not work in smaller quarters). These fish should not be housed with any other butterflyfish species, as within the confines of the home aquarium they will show much hostility towards each other, especially similar-looking species such as
C. melannotus; however they are usually safe with non-related fish species that can look after themselves (avoid any small, docile species). As mentioned previously, the tank should contain an abundance of rockwork for the fish to hide amongst, but do leave a large open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. As with all butterflyfishes, this species demands excellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, with areas of decent current. May also be seen on sale as Spot-tail Coralfish or Tail-spot Butterflyfish.
Feeding
Offer a wide variety of foods, fed in small amounts several times per day. Frozen foods such as Angel & Butterfly mix, Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped clam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc should be given, along with some greenfoods. Ensure the larger foodstuffs are chopped into small enough pieces on account of butterflyfish having tiny mouths.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in captivity. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs and scatter their eggs in open water where they are dispersed by the currents.
