Butterflyfish Profiles

Behaves in the typical Butterflyfish manor, but is one of the more aggressive species that is best kept singly or as a mated pair. It will often chase related species and other non-related fishes that have similar color patterns.

Although at first a rather shy and easily frightened fish, once it settles in to its surroundings falls into the moderately-aggressive behavior category. An individual can have quite an entertaining and distinctive personality.

This fish is fairly sensitive, so poor treatment during capture, transport and holding will greatly determine how well it will fare in your tank. Close inspection of the fish's condition, as well as observing it eat before purchasing will greatly improve... Read more

The Fourspot Butterflyfish is a very active, but rather shy species. If startled or frightened this fish will dart around frantically. It is powerful, can jump quite well to avoid getting caught, and caution should be used when handling this fish, as its top dorsal spines can inflict a rather nasty poke. Even though some individuals will adapt well to aquarium life when placed in a amply sized, adequately sheltered, peaceful species tank community, others can be difficult when it comes to getting them to eat and may need coaxing to stimulate an interest in feeding.

One of a few good Butterflyfishes suitable for beginners, this is a rather hardy and peaceful species that adapts well to aquarium life.

One of the most common Butterflyfishes found in Hawaiian waters, this is very hardy, less-aggressive species that communes well with those of its own kind, similarly related and non-related species of a non-aggressive nature. Can be kept singly, as a pair, or in small groups, but if more than one specimen is kept, all should be introduced into the aquarium together at the same time.

This is one of the more sensitive Butterfly Fishes. Its fins are thin and delicate and are easily burnt by even lower levels of ammonia. They are difficult to get to eat, extremely shy, and usually do not do well adapting to tank life.

It is a coral eater. The smaller juvenile specimens will pick up on tank fed foods and do fairly well, but in the larger adult stage getting it to eat anything else in captivity is extremely difficult.

As adults you usually see this fish traveling in mated pairs, and the juveniles will band together in small groups of three or four at a time.

It is a coral polyp eater, but it is one Butterfly Fish that we find that will adapt to tank life easily. Within a few days of collecting them we can get them to eat basic flake food to start with and then Nori, dried shrimp and other basic tank fed foods.

Like a lot of fish in The Butterfly Fish Family they are coral pickers, but are also omnivores (eating other plant and smaller marine crustaceans). When in the juvenile stage they are easier to get to adjust to tank life and will eat tank fed foods like shrimp and nori. As adults, sometimes it can be difficult to get them to eat.