Description
A delicate reef butterflyfish with a pale silvery-white body marked by fine vertical orange lines. It has a distinctive black patch on the upper rear body and a yellowish tint toward the tail. Its long snout is adapted for picking small invertebrates from coral crevices. Elegant and active, it is often seen in pairs or small groups on outer reef slopes.
Lighting
Moderate to strong reef lighting
(Replicates natural coral reef slope conditions)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Mid-water to upper reef zone
Requires plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing
Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity
1.020–1.025 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–12 dKH
Diet
Omnivore with strong coral association in the wild
Coral polyps (in nature)
Zooplankton
Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
Finely chopped seafood
Specialized marine butterflyfish preparations
Adult Size (up to)
~12–14 cm (5–5.5 inches)
Care Level
Advanced
(Difficult to maintain long-term due to specialized diet and coral-feeding tendencies)
Compatibility
Peaceful to semi-peaceful
Best kept in pairs or small groups (if tank is large enough)
Not reef-safe with corals (may nip at coral polyps)
Suitable tankmates: other peaceful reef fish (anthias, wrasses, chromis)
Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous species
