The Wrought Iron Butterflyfish is one of the hardiest Chaetodons, but also one of the least owned. If the price tag does not turn an aquarist away, usually their cool water needs will. Found only off the southern and west coasts of Japan, C. daedalma must be provided a temperature of 60-75F. I have heard [...]
The Wrought Iron Butterflyfish is one of the hardiest Chaetodons, but also one of the least owned. If the price tag does not turn an aquarist away, usually their cool water needs will. Found only off the southern and west coasts of Japan, C. daedalma must be provided a temperature of 60-75F.
I have heard of some claims of success at warmer reef temperatures, but nothing long term. I would not suggest keeping this fish at above 75F. For what it is worth, I have yet to see a Japanese system keeping C. daedalma that does not incorporate a chiller. In fact many Asian aquarists even keep their reef displays at sub 75F temperatures to accommodate deepwater species.
The Wrought Iron Butterflyfish adapts readily to captive conditions and accepts a wide variety of prepared foods. They can do well alone or in small groups, as they shoal in the wild. The photo above shows a large group at a popular store in Japan. These fish are very active swimmers, and need ample space. After watching videos of this species in the wild and captivity I would not feel comfortable putting an adult in anything less than 180g.
Typically larger 5″+ specimens are all we ever see in the United States. Juveniles are collected but are extremely rare. In regards to their place in the hobby, via FishBase: “Occasionally kept in captivity by Japanese aquarists but is rarely exported.” The video below is by YT user SeaOuwm, enjoy:
