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8- Orange Butterflyfish

Chaetodon kleini 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Black, Gold, White

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Hawaii, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Orange Butterflyfish, also known as the Sunburst, Brown, Klein's, Corallicola, or Blacklip Butterflyfish, is primarily golden-yellow. It may have either a black or a black and blue eye band.

 

It may be kept in a 120 gallon or larger aquarium with other butterflyfish, including members of its own species, if they were introduced to the tank at the same time. The Orange Butterflyfish may be kept in a reef aquarium, but will eat leather corals and some of the soft corals. It is an excellent fish for beginners.

 

The diet should consist of meaty items such as fish, crustaceans, mysis shrimp, and frozen marine preparations. It needs to be fed at least three times daily.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"

9- Auriga Butterflyfish

 Chaetodon auriga 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023

Max. Size: 8"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, Tonga

Family: Chaetodontidae

 

The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the more popular and readily available butterflyfish. Generally a hardy species, in the wild it is found on inner and outer reef slopes. As with many fish, the Threadfin Butterfly's color and markings can vary with the region of origin. Red Sea specimens tend to lose the eyespot (false eye to confuse predators) on the dorsal fin.

 

The Auriga Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided multiple hiding places. It is safe to keep it in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.

 

The Auriga Butterflyfish's diet should primarily consist of plankton frozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source andvitamin-boosting supplements.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2" X Large 4 1/2" to 6"

9-Spotband Butterflyfish

Chaetodon punctatofasciatus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5"

Color Form: Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Spotband Butterflyfish, also known as the Dot Dash Butterflyfish, Punctato Butterflyfish, or Spot-band Butterflyfish, has a yellow-tan body. As it matures, it becomes more yellow dorsally with about seven vertical dark stripes on the upper half of the body, with rows of dark spots below.

 

The aquarium for the Spotband Butterflyfish should be 70 gallons or larger, have numerous hiding places, and calm tank mates. It should not be housed in a reef aquarium since it tends to eat most invertebrates.

 

The diet for the Spotband Butterflyfish should consist of finely chopped seafood meats and algae-based meals.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"

10-Sunset Butterflyfish  

Chaetodon pelewensis 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5"

Color Form: Black, Orange, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: South Pacific

Family: Chaetodontidae

 

The Sunset Butterflyfish is also known as the Pelewensis Butterflyfish, Dot-Dash Butterflyfish and it originates from the reefs of the south Pacific. This Butterflyfish has an oval shape and has beautiful yellow to orange hues covering the majority of the body. The black bands are orientated in a diagonal fashion and the fins are outlined in a striking yellow.

 

It is best housed in very large, peaceful community aquariums decorated with large amounts of live rock. It should be kept singly, not with conspecifics or similar butterflyfish, and should not be kept with any stress-inducing fish. It should not be housed in a reef aquarium since it tends to eat most invertebrates.

 

The Sunset Butterflyfish is a difficult fish to feed; it is a shy and deliberate feeder that may need a variety of foods offered to it in order to start feeding. Feed a variety of frozen and live foods including; mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, frozen whole cockle and seaweed based foods.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"

11-Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Forcipiger flavissimus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 9"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Africa, Hawaii, Indonesia, Maldives, New Caledonia

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, or Forceps Fish, can be found singly or in schools on reef flats and slopes of the Indo-Pacific region. It has a long snout that resembles a pair of needle nose pliers, for picking food out of crevices and between coral heads. The Longnose Butterflyfish has a yellow body. The color of its head is divided horizontally. The upper half of the head, at the very top of the mouth through the top of the head is black. The lower half is white. The dorsal spines are long and jagged. It is a fairly large Butterflyfish in the wild, but remains a medium-sized fish in the home aquarium.

 

This is a good first butterfly purchase, though not necessarily for a beginning hobbyist. If acclimated properly, Longnose Butterflyfish are a hardy addition to any fish-only system. It does best if kept in a 125 gallon or larger tank with peaceful tankmates.

 

It should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods mysis shrimp, crustacean meat, and frozen preparations.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/2" to 3-1/4"; Medium:3-1/4" to 4-1/2"; Large: 4-1/2" to 5-1/2"; XLarge: 5-1/2" to 6-1/2"

12-Tear Drop Butterflyfish

 Chaetodon unimaculatus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 8"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Melanesia, Red Sea

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish is a beautiful fish originating from the reefs of the Indo Pacific. They have a white base becoming yellow dorsally and on the median fins. It has a large black eyespot on its upper side and a black bar through the eyes. A black vertical stripe is also present at the posterior end. These are very colorful fish that are well suited for a larger fish only aquarium.

 

The Tear Drop Butterflyfish will do best in a 125 gallon or larger fish-only aquarium. The Tear Drop Butterflyfish may reside in a reef environment with other butterflyfish but will eat different invertebrates present in the tank.

 

Its diet should include both meaty foods and vegetable matter.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"

13-Vagabond Butterflyfish

Chaetodon vagabundus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 9"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Vagabond Butterflyfish is primarily white with diagonal stripes forming chevron-like markings. It has a black eye band, and the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are yellow with two black vertical bands.

 

The Vagabond Butterflyfish should be kept in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium and may be kept with most other butterflyfish, holding its own against more aggressive tank mates.

 

The Vagabond Butterflyfish feeds on algae, anemones, and coral polyps in the wild, and will accept most meaty preparations and graze on filamentous algae.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"

14-Mertensii Butterflyfish

Chaetodon mertensii 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Black, Orange, White

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia

Family: Chaetodontidae

 

The Mertensii Butterflyfish, also known as the Orangetail Butterflyfish, or Crowned Pearlyscale Butterflyfish, is a blue silver coloration with black margins on its body scales. This gives a criss-cross pattern and pearly sheen. Most of its posterior is orange and it has a silver-edged black stripe through the eye.

 

It may reside in a 120 gallon or larger aquarium provided that it is well-maintained and relatively peaceful. It may be kept with other Butterflyfish if they are introduced to the tank at the same time.

 

The diet of the Mertensii Butterflyfish should include various meaty preparations.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"

15-Double Saddle Butterflyfish

 Chaetodon ulietensis 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Double Saddle Butterflyfish, also known as the False Falcula Butterflyfish, Doublesaddle Butterflyfish, or Saddled Butterflyfish, is white with thin, vertical black lines across the body. The posterior portion of the body is yellow with a black spot on the tail. It also has two black patches on the body (dorsal side) and a black eye band.

 

A 120 gallon or larger aquarium with other butterflyfish, hiding places, and plenty of space to swim is a good environment. It is not an acceptable addition to a reef tank since it will eat mushroom corals, anemones, and stony corals.

 

The diet for the Double Saddle Butterflyfish should consist of different meaty items and some vegetables.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2" Xlarge: 4-1/2" - 6"

16-Falcula Butterflyfish, True

 Chaetodon falcula 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 8"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indonesia, Maldives

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Falcula Butterflyfish, also known as the Sickle Butterflyfish, is mostly white becoming yellow dorsally. It has a series of narrow black stripes on its sides, two patches of black on the dorsal side, and a black eye band.

 

A 125 gallon or larger fish-only aquarium with other butterflyfish is a good environment. The Falcula Butterflyfish will eat anemones, hard corals, and mushroom anemones causing problems in a reef aquarium.

 

It should be fed a variety of meaty foods, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, frozen preparations, with an occasional anemone as a treat.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2"; Small/Medium 2" to 2 3/4" Medium: 2-3/4" to 3 1/4"; Medium/Large 3 1/4" to 4" Large: 4" to 5"

17-Tinkeri Butterflyfish  

Chaetodon tinkeri 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5½"

Color Form: Black, Orange, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Hawaii

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Tinkeri Butterflyfish is also known as the Hawaiian Butterflyfish or Tinker's Butterflyfish. This attractive fish with its anterior half being white with black dots on each scale and the posterior part of the body black. Shades of yellow and orange mark the face, dorsal fin, and tail.

 

The Tinkeri Butterflyfish requires a moderately lit aquarium of 120 gallons or larger. These fishes are normally found in deeper water on fore reef slopes, and feed primarily on plankton and small invertebrates. They are not fussy eaters and caution should be taken when introducing to a reef aquarium as they may pick at mushroom corals, anemones, and stony corals.

 

The diet should consist of different meaty items, enriched mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp along with some vegetables.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-3/4"

18-Mulleri Butterflyfish

Chelmon muelleri 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, 68-77° F

Max. Size: 7"

Color Form: Black, Tan, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Australia

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Mulleri Butterflyfish originates from the reefs of Australia and has a long, narrow nose and mouth used for hunting into crevices and holes for food. The Mulleri Butterflyfish has black vertical bands against a silver background, which blends into a rust coloration towards the backside of the fish. The eyespot on the dorsal fin of the fish is used to confuse predators in which way the fish is facing.

 

It is best housed in very large reefs, or in peaceful community aquariums. It should be kept singly, not with conspecifics or similar Butterflyfish, and should not be kept with any stress-inducing fish. Caution should be exercised if housing these fish in a reef aquarium. They may pick on invertebrates, especially anemones and feather dusters. They are an excellent fish when used to control aiptasia, or glass anemones, in the reef aquarium.

 

The Mulleri Butterflyfish is a difficult fish to feed; it is a shy and deliberate feeder that may need a variety of foods offered to it in order to start feeding. Feed a variety of frozen and live foods including; mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, or frozen whole cockle.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small - 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium – 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large – 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"

19-Red Sea Bannerfish

Heniochus intermedius 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 7"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Red Sea

Family: Chaetodontidae

Be the first to invest in this highly-prized showcase aquarium superstar! The Red Sea Bannerfish is exclusive to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the south. It has a very elongated white dorsal filament with a base color of white with two wide black stripes. The soft dorsal and caudal fins are yellow, and there are black marks above the eyes. Members of the Heniochus genera are often called Bannerfish instead of Butterflyfish.

 

The Red Sea Bannerfish may reside in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with other peaceful fish and others of the same species, if all were introduced into the tank at the same time. When swimming, the elongated white dorsal filament moves like a banner in the wind.

 

Heniochus are largely plankton eaters in the wild. A diet offrozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2" Large: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"; XLarge: 4-1/2" to 6"

20-Singular Bannerfish  

Heniochus singularis 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 10"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Singular Bannerfish is a spectacular member of the butterflyfish family Chaetodontidae that delivers a graphic visual punch while boasting ease of care. Similar to other members of the genus Heniochus, the Singular Bannerfish sports a lengthened dorsal ray that gives it a distinct and instantly recognizable banner-like profile. Though similar in appearance to other Heniochus species at first glance, the Singular Bannerfish is relatively uncommon in the aquarium trade and makes a fine addition for collectors as well as any marine hobbyist wanting an noteworthy specimen.

 

The Singular Bannerfish is distinguished from other Bannerfish by specific banding patterns. The Singular Bannerfish has a white ring around the mouth followed by a sequence of black bands including a complete ocular band that originates above and extending beyond the eye down to its "chin." The following black, mid-body band is located in front of the dorsal fin and the final black band transitions seamlessly to a bold, canary yellow coloration that follows the dorsal ridge and caudal fin.

 

Juvenile and adult Singular Bannerfish vary in appearance, most notably the longer white "banner" of juvenile Singular Bannerfish that accentuates the angular, deltoid body shape. Mature adults have a short banner and take on a fuller body shape more closely resembling the classic Butterflyfish body shape. Furthermore, adult Singular Bannerfish sports an exquisite reticulated pattern not dissimilar to that of the highly prized Wrought Iron Butterflyfish. As the largest member of the Bannerfish, the Singular Bannerfish makes an impressive display, singularly or in a small group.

 

House the Singular Bannerfish in a 125-gallon or larger aquarium with other peaceful fish and others of the same species, if all were introduced into the tank at the same time. The Singular Bannerfish may require extra "TLC" when first acclimating to the home aquarium.

 

Heniochus are largely plankton eaters in the wild. A diet offrozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" - 2"; Medium: 2"-3"; Large: 3"-4"

21-Tahitian Butterflyfish

 Chaetodon trichrous 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.0-8.4, sg 1.021-1.025

Max. Size: 5"

Color Form: Black, Tan

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Tahiti

Family: Chaetodontidae

The front half of the Tahitian Butterflyfish has a gray color while the back half is dark brown to black. It has a black bar through the eyes and the caudal (tail) fin is gray.

 

The Tahitian Butterflyfish requires plenty of room to swim, and a peaceful community aquarium of 70 gallons or larger. It may be kept singly; if kept as a pair, both fish should be introduced to the aquarium at the same time.

 

Its diet should consist of chopped meats such as marine fish, crustacean meats, or mysis shrimp. A vitamin formula with the meats may help keep the colors bright.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"

22-Four Eyed Butterflyfish

 Chaetodon capistratus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Clear, Tan, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Four-Eyed, or Foureye Butterflyfish, is a beautiful but delicate member of the Chaetodontidae family. Two namesake false eyespots on either base of the caudal fin help not only to add to this fish's beauty, but to also misdirect predators. Iridescent stripes cover the creamy-white body, running off of the center of the fish, with a vibrant yellow outline accenting the outer edge of the body.

 

The Four-Eyed Butterfly is a peaceful fish and should be housed with other peaceful tankmates. It is possible to keep a male-female pair, but members of the same sex may fight. It is not suitable for the reef aquarium, as it enjoys eating stony corals and gorgonian polyps

 

The Four-Eyed Butterfly is a carnivore that can be difficult to feed, especially in the beginning. To entice eating, offer live vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, clam, and mashed squid or shrimp. Once eating regularly, offer mysis shrimp and frozen carnivore preparations. The Four-Eyed Butterfly should be fed at least three times a day.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 ½” to 2” Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 ¼” to 4.5”

23-Banded Butterflyfish  

Chaetodon striatus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6½"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean

Family: Chaetodontidae

A perfect choice for beginners, The Banded Butterflyfish is an easy going species that gets along well with other reef fish. Striking in its contrasting beauty, it has a deep, thin, somewhat disc-shaped body, with a concave forehead and short snout. The coloration of juveniles and adults can be quite different. Juveniles have large, ringed black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, four vertical body bars, with an overall body color of brownish-yellow instead of the white that adults have as a base.

 

A peaceful fish, Banded Butterflyfish are most commonly found alone or in pairs, in shallow waters around coral reefs. Most active during the day, and sleeping at night, they seek shelter in the evening, as they are highly vulnerable to larger predators.

 

The Banded Butterflyfish is a carnivore, feeding on reef inhabitants such as tube worms, anemones, corals, and occasionally crustaceans. Use care when housing in a reef tank, as they will eat most invertebrates in the aquarium! The coarseness of its teeth allows it to scrape at invertebrates that make up its diet. Supplement their diet with a variety of meaty preparations and vitamin enriched or color enhancing food. They may also clean parasites from other fish.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/" to 2" Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 1/4" to 4 1/2" X Large 4 1/2" to 5 1/2"

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