Description
A hardy, deep-bodied butterflyfish with a warm yellow to golden-brown coloration and a faint dark vertical band running through the eye. Some individuals show subtle blue highlights on the fins. It has a more robust appearance compared to many delicate butterflyfish and is considered one of the most adaptable species in captivity.
Lighting
Moderate to strong reef lighting
(Tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Mid-water to upper reef zone
Requires open swimming space plus live rock for grazing
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
Salinity
1.020–1.025 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–12 dKH
Diet
Omnivore (leans more toward sponge and meaty foods)
Sponge-based marine foods (important)
Mysis shrimp
Brine shrimp
Chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, fish)
High-quality frozen marine omnivore preparations
Adult Size (up to)
~12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
Care Level
Intermediate
(One of the easier butterflyfish species, but still requires stable reef conditions)
Compatibility
Peaceful to semi-peaceful
Generally reef-safe with caution (may nip at soft corals and small invertebrates)
Best with other peaceful to moderately active reef fish
Avoid very aggressive tankmates or highly delicate coral-only systems
