Share Your Photos
Be the first to contribute photos or videos of this fish.
Your profile will be tagged on all media you contribute.
Suggested Tank
70+ gallons
Max Size
5 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A small, oval-bodied butterflyfish with a pale body crossed by rows of dark dots that angle into diagonal dashes toward the rear, finished with a broad orange-yellow band across the tail base and rear fins. It is a peaceful, fairly bold grazer that does well singly or as a mated pair in a fish-only or lightly stocked mixed system with plenty of live rock, but it will be bullied by aggressive tankmates. Because it picks at coral polyps, clam mantles and tube worms in the wild, it is not trustworthy in a coral-rich reef tank; offer several small meals a day of meaty foods and frozen preparations to keep it in condition.
Reef Safe
No
Environment
The Sunset Butterflyfish thrives in a well-lit aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces. It prefers a tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and a variety of coral species. A consistent water temperature of around 72-78°F (22-26°C) is ideal.
Behavior
This species is generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other fish. However, it can be territorial with other butterflyfish. It is active during the day and likes to hide among rocks and coral at night.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews
Christian
@Christian27484
Beautiful colors and has that unique butterflyfish shape. Wouldn’t risk putting it in an environment the homes corals but would be a perfect addition to any FOWLR.
Similar Fish
Other medium fish you might like
Write a Review
Sunset Butterflyfish
Chaetodon pelewensis
