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