Compatibility:
The Butterflyfish family contains a very large group of species that behave in a number of different ways. Although any species can be kept singly, and most are suitable as mated pairs in larger aquariums, the behavior of an individual species will fall into one of three categories.Peaceful Behavior Category:
This group communes well with members of the same species and sex, make good mated pairs, can be kept in multiple groupings in larger aquariums, and are best housed in non-aggressive fish community. However, all individuals should be introduced into the aquarium simultaneously.- This category includes species such as Chaetodon burgessi, kleinii, milliaris, pelewensis, plebius, punctatofasciatus, rafflesi, semilarvatus, speculum, ulietensis, unimaculastus, quadrimaculatus, and vagabundus. Heniochus diphreutes, acuminatus, intermedius and monoceros (as a group in no less than a 100 gallon aquarium), as well as Heniochus varius and pleurotaenia (as pairs in no less than 75 gallons).
Moderately-Aggressive Behavior Category:
This group communes fairly well with members of the same species, but not necessarily sex. They make good mated pairs, but may have a tendency to chase other related and non-related species that are similar in appearance, size, color, pattern, or behavior.If these fish are kept together they should only be placed into larger aquariums with ample room and shelter provided, and unless otherwise noted, all individuals should be introduced into the aquarium simultaneously. These are species that are best kept with other non to moderately-aggressive tankmates.- This category includes species such as Chaetodon auriga, capistratus, collare, fremblii, lunula, fasciatus, melannotus, quadrimaculatus, tinkeri, and mertensii and xanthurus (each of which are good with their own species, but act aggressively towards each other because of their similar appearance). Hemitaurichthys polylepis or zoster (in no less than a 100 gallon aquarium), and Forcipiger flavissimus (if introduced into the tank first).
Aggressive Behavior Category:
This group does not commune well with members of the same species or sex, will fight with or chase other closely related and non-related species that are similar in appearance, size, color, pattern, or behavior. These Butterflyfishes should only be kept singly or as mated pairs, and are ones that can hold their own in a more aggressive fish tank community.- This category includes species such as Chaetodon ephippium, falcula and lineolatus. Chelmon rostratus, Forcipiger longirostris, and Prognathodes aculeatus.
Other Key Factors For Success:
Regardless of which category a Butterflyfish falls into, the size of the fish plays a role in its behavior as well. Although some only reach a length of about 5 inches (good for 55 to 75 gallons), the majority grow to an average size of about 6 to 9 inches (best in 75 to 100 gallons), with several attaining up to 12 inches (requires 100 gallons or more). Add the keeping of a mated pair or mulitple species into the equation, and the size of the aquarium needs to be increased as well.By providing Butterflyfishes with ample or more than adequate room to move around and shelter to hide in, this allows them to better keep away from the other fishes, as well as establish a more spacious territory of their own, which all helps to lessen the effects of territorial disputes with other tankmates. Of course as true with most all marine fishes, Butterflyfishes are unpredictable, so there are no guarantees that fights or conflicts of some kind won't occur.To learn about particular traits and characteristics an individual species may have, refer to the our Butterflyfish Species Profiles.
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