The Tear Drop Butterflyfish (Chaetodon unimaculatus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

Distribution and Habitat

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish is found in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans from Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands east to Hawaii, the Marquesas and Ducie Island, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island and the central coast of New South Wales. It is found at depths of 1 to 60 meters on reef flats, clear lagoons, and seaward reefs. It is most numerous where leathery corals of the genera Sarcophyton and Sinularia grow.

Physical Description

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish has a whitish body with yellow dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The yellow colour extends onto the back. The upper flank is marked with a large teardrop-shaped black blotch and there is a wide black vertical bar through the eye. There are delicate yellowish-orange chevrons on the flanks in front of the black teardrop. Another black vertical band runs from the rear of the dorsal fin across the caudal peduncle to the rear of the anal fin. The dorsal fin contains 12-13 spines and 19-23 soft rays while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 18-20 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 20 cm (7.9 in), though around 16 cm is more usual.

Diet and Feeding

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish feeds on soft and hard corals, polychaetes, small crustaceans, and filamentous algae. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, frozen preparations, and marine algae.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is normally encountered in small groups. It is a monogamous, oviparous species with the sexes forming pairs to breed.

Aquarium Care

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish requires a tank of at least 70 gallons with stable water conditions and abundant live rock. It is peaceful but may nip at corals, so it is not considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.