Butterflyfish

Elegant but challenging reef additions

Graceful, laterally compressed fish known for their striking patterns and vibrant colours. Most butterflyfish are NOT reef-safe as they feed on coral polyps, but a handful of species — notably the Copperband — are kept in reef tanks to control Aiptasia anemones. They need peaceful tankmates and varied diets.

4 species

Copperband Butterflyfish

Chelmon rostratus

Copperband Butterfly, Beaked Coral Fish

Difficult · Caution

Longnose Butterflyfish

Forcipiger flavissimus

Yellow Longnose Butterfly

Moderate · Caution

Raccoon Butterflyfish

Chaetodon lunula

Raccoon Butterfly

Moderate · Not Reef Safe

Threadfin Butterflyfish

Chaetodon auriga

Auriga Butterfly, Threadfin Butterfly

Moderate · Not Reef Safe