Wrought Iron Butterflyfish

Chaetodon daedalma

Identification	Dark charcoal-gray body with a lattice of pale-edged scales resembling wrought iron, and a yellow-edged tail. A temperate Japanese butterflyfish.
Maximum Length	6 inches
Origin	Western Pacific — Japan, temperate reefs
Minimum Tank Size	100 gallons
Reef Compatibility	With caution — may nip corals and inverts

Behavior

The Wrought Iron Butterflyfish is a coveted, elegant temperate butterfly named for its intricate iron-grille pattern. A cooler-water species, it does best in a subtropical system and is a hardy, active swimmer once settled.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore. Offer mysis, chopped seafood, and marine algae; feed several times daily.

Cautions

A temperate species that prefers cooler water — not ideal for warm tropical reefs. Reef safe with caution; may nip corals and invertebrates. Needs open swimming room and excellent water quality.