Mitratus Butterflyfish

Last time this was in stock, it was £169.00

8-9cm

Mitratus Butterflyfish, Chaetodon mitratus

  • Common Name: Mitratus Butterflyfish
  • Latin Name: Chaetodon mitratus
  • Distribution: Found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, including the Red Sea, Maldives, and western Pacific Ocean.
  • Max Size: Up to 6 inches (15 centimetres).
  • Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH Range: 8.1-8.4.
  • KH Range: 8-12 dKH.
  • Care Level: Moderate due to delicacy and specific needs.
  • Lighting Preference: Moderate to high lighting.
  • Preferred Food: Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton.
  • Behaviour: Shy yet active; tends to establish dominance in tanks.
  • Suitable for Reef Tanks: Can be risky with coral. Needs delicate care due to potential territorial behaviour.
  • Interesting Facts: Mitratus Butterflyfish are visually stunning and prefer well-established tanks. They require specific care due to their delicate nature.

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DRY GOODS

Aquarium plants can be shipped under the same shipping rules as dry goods.

Free shipping on orders over £50 (may exclude some aquariums)  Geographical restrictions may apply

LIVESTOCK = Fish, Critters and Corals

Minimum order value £30Delivery charge £19.99. Delivery days Are Varied At The Moment.  We will contact you to confirm your delivery day. Some geographical restrictions apply See shipping

Aquarium Plants: Are shipped the same as and can be mixed with Dry goods *Free shipping on orders over £50 or £6.99 for orders under £50. Some geographical restrictions may apply.

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The Mitratus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mitratus) exhibits a vibrant appearance with a maximum size of approximately 6 inches (15 centimetres). It features a yellow body with two vertical black stripes, along with a distinctive black mask across its eyes. Its dorsal fin display a bright orange wedge.

Taxonomy

Belonging to the family Chaetodontidae, the Mitratus Butterflyfish is part of the Chaetodon genus. Its closest relatives within the family include other species of butterflyfish, such as Chaetodon lunula. The genus name, Chaetodon, originates from Greek, combining “chaite” meaning hair and “odon” meaning tooth, referring to the fine teeth present in their mouths. The specific epithet, mitratus, likely refers to the fish’s adorned appearance, resembling a mitre, a type of headdress.

Natural Habitat

The natural habitat of the Mitratus Butterflyfish consists of coral-rich areas in tropical marine environments. It frequents coral reefs, lagoons, and shallow coastal areas with ample coral growth. These fish prefer areas with moderate water movement, where they can seek refuge among branching corals and rocky formations.

Keeping Mitratus Butterflyfish Healthy 

Maintaining the health of the Mitratus Butterflyfish demands a moderate care level and is considered relatively straightforward compared to some other marine species. A tank of at least 70 gallons with stable water parameters is suitable. Temperature should be kept between 72-78°F (22-26°C), pH levels around 8.1-8.4, and salinity at 1.020-1.025. Regular water changes and a well-established tank are crucial for their well-being.

Special Requirements and Feeding

Mitratus Butterflyfish are primarily carnivorous and require a varied diet. They feed on a combination of live, frozen, and prepared foods, including small crustaceans, zooplankton, and spirulina-based preparations. Offering multiple small feedings throughout the day mimics their natural feeding behaviour and promotes their health in captivity.

How Many Should I Keep

These fish are best kept singly or in pairs due to their territorial nature. A single Mitratus Butterflyfish can thrive in a tank, reducing competition for territory and resources.

Lighting Preference

They thrive under moderate lighting conditions, resembling their natural habitat on coral reefs.

Suitable Tank Mates

Peaceful tank mates such as other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates of similar size can coexist with the Mitratus Butterflyfish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or larger species that may intimidate or harm them.

Reproduction in the Wild

In their natural habitat, the Mitratus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mitratus) reproduces through external fertilisation. This process typically involves pairs or groups of fish engaging in courtship behaviour, where they display vibrant colours and intricate swimming patterns. Spawning occurs when female fish release eggs into the water column, followed by males releasing sperm to fertilise them. The fertilised eggs then drift with the ocean currents until hatching into larvae.

Breeding Chaetodon mitratus

Breeding the Mitratus Butterflyfish in captivity, although challenging, has been achieved in controlled environments.

  1. Set-Up: A well-equipped breeding tank with a capacity of at least 100 gallons is recommended, replicating their natural environment. Adequate hiding spots and live rock resembling their habitat are essential.
  2. Courtship/Spawning: Courtship behaviour involves increased activity, fin displays, and colouration changes. Spawning generally occurs during specific lunar phases or in response to environmental triggers, with females releasing eggs and males fertilising them in the water column.
  3. Rearing: Once the eggs hatch into larvae, specialised care is crucial. Larvae need tiny live foods like rotifers and copepods until they are large enough to consume larger food items.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Mitratus Butterflyfish is not distinctly evident. Both males and females typically exhibit similar physical characteristics.

Distribution

The original habitat of the Mitratus Butterflyfish includes tropical Indo-Pacific waters. They are found in various regions, including the Red Sea, Maldives, and the western Pacific Ocean, frequenting coral reefs and lagoons.

Summary

Chaetodon mitratus, known as the Mitratus Butterflyfish, is a visually stunning species found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Reproduction in the wild involves external fertilisation, with courtship and spawning behaviours. Breeding them in captivity demands careful setup and specific rearing methods for the larvae. Sexual dimorphism is not distinct, and they thrive in coral-rich habitats.

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Dry Goods Delivery.

The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:

  1. Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
  2. Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
  3. 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
  4. 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
  5. APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.

It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Livestock Delivery.

The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:

  1. Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
  2. Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
  3. Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
  4. Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
  5. Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.

    These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.

  6. Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
  7. Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
  8. Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.

It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.

Livestock Geographical Exemptions.

The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:

  1. Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
  2. Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
  • AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
  • DD8 to DD10
  • BT all
  • DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
  • KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
  • HS all
  • IM all
  • JE all
  • ZE all
  • KW15 to KW17
  • TD9
  • FK17 to FK21
  • GY all
  • KA26, to KA28
  • PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
  • TR21, to TR25
  • PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
  • IV all

Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.

We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.

For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.

Cancellation.

According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.

Important points regarding the return process are as follows:

  1. Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
  2. Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
  3. Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
  4. Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.

It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Returns.

According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:

  1. Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
  2. Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
  3. Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
  4. Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
  5. Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.

It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.

Replacements

If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:

  1. Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
  2. Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
  3. Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
  4. Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
  5. Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.

Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Manufacturer’s Guarantees

The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:

  1. Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
  2. Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
  3. Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
  4. Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
  5. Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
  6. Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.

Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Breakages

According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:

  1. Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
  2. Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.

By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.