Livestock | Marine | Marine Fish | Butterflyfish

Keeping Butterflyfish in Marine Aquariums

General Care:
Butterflyfish are hardy and vibrant fish that do well in stable marine tanks with temperatures between 75–82°F and a pH of 8.1–8.4. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of live rock for grazing, shelter, and exploring. They are not as sensitive to water chemistry changes as some species, but they still require high-quality water conditions to stay healthy.

Feeding:
Butterflyfish are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Some species may also consume small invertebrates, plankton, and occasionally coral polyps (though not all species). A varied diet is essential to keep them healthy and vibrant, and it’s important to offer foods rich in nutrients.

Compatibility:
Butterflyfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards other butterflyfish or species with similar body shapes. While many butterflyfish are not reef safe and may nip at corals or sessile invertebrates, they can still coexist in larger reef tanks with other non-aggressive fish. They do well in fish-only with rock tanks or larger setups where they have ample space to swim and forage. It’s important to select species carefully to avoid aggression and ensure a balanced community.

Popular Species:

• Longnose Butterfly (Forcipiger flavissimus): Known for its long, slender snout, this butterflyfish needs a peaceful tank and a diet of high-quality meaty foods.

• Heniochus Butterfly (Heniochus acuminatus): Also known as the Black and White Heniochus, this striking species is peaceful, hardy, and great for larger tanks.

• Auriga Butterfly (Chaetodon auriga): A beautiful butterflyfish with elegant fins and a bold, contrasting pattern, best suited for larger, well-established tanks.

• Pyramid Butterfly (Hemitaurichthys zoster): Known for its unique pyramid-shaped body, this butterflyfish is social and does well in groups. It is reef safe, making it an excellent choice for peaceful reef tanks.

Behavior and Tank Setup:
Butterflyfish are active and graceful swimmers that appreciate a tank with plenty of live rock to explore and graze on. They are typically peaceful but may become territorial towards other butterflyfish or similar-shaped species. Providing caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs will help reduce aggression and provide areas for shelter. It’s important to give them plenty of space, as many butterflyfish do better in larger tanks with room to swim.

Summary:
Butterflyfish are beautiful and hardy additions to marine aquariums. While they are generally not reef safe due to their tendency to nip at corals, the Pyramid Butterfly is an exception and can thrive in reef environments. These fish are relatively easy to care for compared to other species, and their vibrant patterns and graceful swimming habits make them a stunning addition to any aquarium. They are best suited for intermediate aquarists and above due to their space and dietary needs.