January 2012 Tinkerii Butterfly(Chaetodon Tinkeri) AKA Hawaiian Butterflyfish
I chose this months fish because im thinking of making a change, and going mostly fish only. Ive been thinking of getting more Butterflies(thanks Peter), other than just my CBB. One time I kept a Tinkeri for my buddy Jon, and this fish had personality like you couldn't believe. When I would walk by the tank he would spit water at me, and eat out of my hands.
Tinkeri Butterflyfish
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Natural Range: Pacific Ocean
Depth: 90 to 604 ft.
Size: Up to about 6 in.
Reef Safe: Caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Plankton, benthic invertebrates (tube worms, coral polyps)
Natural History: It is known as Tinker's Butterflyfish, after Spencer W. Tinker who discovered it in 1949, while trapping them in fish traps off of Oahu, Hawaii.
The Tinkeri Butterflyfish is found on deep steep slopes of reefs. It is commonly observed singly, in pairs, or in small groups. It is a deep-water twilight species of butterflyfish, rarely seen, because it is found below 150 feet. This butterflyfish species is observed to feed almost exclusively on benthic invertebrates. The Tinkeri Butterflyfish was once thought to be endemic to Hawaii but is now known to the Marshall and Johnston Islands.
Husbandry: The Tinkeri Butterflyfish is a deep water species that will likely acclimate better in a reduced-light aquarium or 125 gallons or larger. It is a bold fish and a strong swimmer but should be provided live rock with hiding places for this fish to acclimate. It picks at mushroom corals, stony coral polyps, and anemone tentacles so it is not safe in a reef aquarium. Tinkeri Butterflyfish will likely be aggressive with its own or related butterflyfishes, but will usually co-habitate with other species well. This species is rare in the aquarium trade because it is normally found below the typical sport-diving depth. The diet should consist of different meaty items and some vegetables.
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/i...tead/Tink1.jpg
http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/i...tead/tink2.jpg
