🐠 Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon decussatus)
🐠 Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon decussatus)
Coral Feeder • Reef Butterflyfish • Display Species • Indo-Pacific Beauty
📋 The Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon decussatus) is a stunning black-and-white reef fish recognized by its diagonal lattice-like pattern and vivid yellow fins and tail. Native to Indian Ocean reefs, it’s often found swimming in pairs among coral heads and lagoon areas.
Unlike its close relative Chaetodon vagabundus, the Indian variant features darker tones and sharper contrast, making it particularly photogenic. While it may nibble coral polyps, it thrives in FOWLR aquariums or large semi-reef systems with live rock and peaceful companions.
Hardier than many butterflyfish, the Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish adapts well to captivity, showcasing both resilience and beauty in motion.
💡 Highlights
✨ Distinctive pattern: black-and-white crosshatch body with yellow tail
⚪ Peaceful nature: excellent for community marine tanks
📏 Hardy and adaptable: tolerates varied water conditions
✅ Pairs well: often seen swimming in bonded pairs
🐠 Indian Ocean gem: elegant, active, and highly ornamental
🧾 A Quick Look at the Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish
📛 Common Name: Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish / Blackened Butterflyfish / Vagabond Butterflyfish (Indian variant)
🔬 Scientific Name: Chaetodon decussatus
👨👩👧 Family: Chaetodontidae
🌍 Origin: Indian Ocean • Sri Lanka • Maldives • Andaman Sea • Bay of Bengal
📏 Max Size: 20 cm (≈ 8")
💧 pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy to Moderate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ No – may nip corals and sessile invertebrates
🏠 Min Tank Size: 300 L (79 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to upper water column
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably collected from Indian Ocean reefs
⏳ Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae • coral polyps • small invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg layer; pairs form in the wild