Butterflyfish

A truly lovely species of fish, butterflyfish are both exotic and temperamental. They prove to be quite a handful in captivity and challenge the most experienced aquarists in terms of the care they demand. If you are still raring to have a go at acquiring butterflyfish, take a look at some pointers that we have given below:

  • You will be interested to know that the family name is derived from the Greek words for hair and tooth as they have rows of brush-like teeth found in their tiny protruding mouths. Many butterflies are confused with angelfish, and there are similarities, but angels can be spotted by noting the sharp spine that sits across the lower edge of their gills.
  • Most butterflyfish live in tropical seas in fairly shallow water and on coral reefs although some choose temperate or subtropical and head down to deeper water. The deepest species is found at 200 metres. Most butterflyfish stick to a particular home range. Coral eaters stay on coral reefs, forming a mating pair. They’ll even stake a claim to their own head of coral. Many live as heterosexual couples that swim in tandem around their private patch of reef.
  • You can feast your eyes on beautiful shapes and designs, thanks to the butterflyfish which displays impressive body decoration. Masks and false eyespots are a great costume, along with a variety of stripes, bands and checks in a myriad of colours. All this is used for both defensive and social reasons. Slight variations in patterns help members of a species to recognise a buddy and let potential predators know that they are bony and not really worth the trouble to eat. Confusing colours and patterns can also deflect a predator away. To make matters even more interesting, their colours and markings change towards night-time. You have another visual treat in store as they settle in for the night and daytime colours pale and markings change.
  • Be warned that some species of Butterflyfish will not live in captivity at all and there are some that make fine pets. Before buying any Butterflyfish do some research and study their needs. All Butterflyfish eat a diet rich in meaty foods. Some Butterflyfish are obligate coral eaters. These ones always die in captivity. Even the "good" Butterflyfish are finicky eaters. Offer those live brine shrimp at first to make sure they will eat something. A variety of frozen foods should then be offered, including bloodworms, mysis shrimp, plankton, krill, clam, Formula One, Formula Two, Angel Formula, and Trigger Formula.
  • Ensure peace in your aquarium by housing Butterflyfish with fish that are not too aggressive. They are finicky eaters that cannot afford to be chased away from their food by their tank mates.
  • Aquarium Care: These fish are more sensitive than most to water quality. They will be the first to show signs of stress if your water quality gets bad. Strong filtration, including a protein skimmer, is necessary. A good amount of live rock in your tank will allow your Butterflyfish to forage independently as well as provide hiding places. A 75-gallon tank should be considered the minimum size appropriate home.