Teardrop Butterflyfish 

Also known as Teardrop Coralfish, Oval Butterflyfish

The Teardrop Butterflyfish is an elegant species displaying a distinctive teardrop-shaped black spot on its white body with yellow accents. This moderately hardy butterflyfish is more adaptable to aquarium life than many relatives and makes an attractive addition to appropriate marine systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon unimaculatus
• Common Names: Teardrop Butterflyfish, Teardrop Coralfish, One-spot Butterfly
• Adult Size: Up to 8 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial toward other butterflyfish
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; may nip at soft corals and sessile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Experience Level: Moderate; requires attention to diet and water quality

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide ample swimming space with live rock creating caves and territories. This active species needs open areas for cruising throughout the aquarium. Benefits from established tanks with stable conditions.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Good water quality is important
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation These maintain the stable environment this species needs.

Diet & Feeding 

Teardrop Butterflyfish are omnivores requiring varied nutrition. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, vitamin-enriched flake foods
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, krill, marine cuisine
• Plant Matter: Nori seaweed, marine algae sheets (beneficial supplement)
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp (helpful during acclimation)
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Generally adapts to prepared foods with proper acclimation period

Notes & Considerations

• The distinctive large teardrop-shaped spot on the body makes it easily identifiable.
• More adaptable to aquarium life than obligate coral-feeding species.
• Generally peaceful toward non-butterflyfish tankmates.
• May be territorial toward other butterflyfish; provide adequate space.
• May nip at soft corals, anemones, and tube worms; monitor closely in reef tanks.
• Active swimmer that cruises throughout the aquarium during daylight hours.
• Secure aquarium lid recommended; can jump if startled.
• Does well in peaceful to moderately active community tanks.
• Can sometimes be kept in pairs if introduced simultaneously.
• Indo-Pacific origin; moderately available in the aquarium trade.
• A clean white body with yellow fins and distinctive spots creates an elegant appearance.

Why Choose a Quarantined Teardrop Butterflyfish? 

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this elegant and distinctive species.