Collection: Butterfly Fish - Marine

Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga)

The Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a graceful and striking marine species, known for its bright yellow coloration, intricate black patterns, and the distinctive thread-like filament extending from its dorsal fin. Found in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this peaceful fish makes a stunning addition to large saltwater aquariums. Its beauty and elegance make it a favorite for advanced marine hobbyists.

Product Details

• Species: Chaetodon auriga
• Common Names: Threadfin Butterflyfish, Auriga Butterflyfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific Region, including the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 23 cm (9 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Marine Aquarium Setup:
The Threadfin Butterflyfish requires a tank of at least 300 liters with ample swimming space and live rock for grazing. Include coral and reef structures to mimic its natural environment, though caution is advised when housing with live corals, as it may nip at certain species. Ensure a well-oxygenated environment with moderate water flow.

Marine Aquarium Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH

Diet:
The Threadfin Butterflyfish is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer marine-based foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Supplement with algae-based foods, spirulina, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Feed 2–3 times daily to meet its nutritional needs.

Behavior and Compatibility:
This peaceful fish is well-suited for community aquariums with other non-aggressive marine species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, gobies, and wrasses. Avoid housing with aggressive fish or those that may outcompete it for food. While reef-safe with caution, monitor its behavior around corals and other invertebrates.

Growth and Maintenance:

The Threadfin Butterflyfish can grow up to 23 cm and requires consistent care and a stable environment to thrive. Regular tank maintenance, including water changes and monitoring of parameters, is essential for its long-term health. Due to its dietary and habitat requirements, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists.

Availability:
The Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring this elegant and vibrant fish to your saltwater aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

The Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is a striking and graceful marine fish, renowned for its elongated snout, bold vertical yellow stripes, and delicate demeanor. Native to coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, this fish is a favorite among marine aquarists for its stunning appearance and unique feeding habits. While moderately challenging to care for, the Copperband Butterflyfish is a rewarding addition to well-maintained reef or fish-only aquariums.

Product Details

• Species: Chelmon rostratus
• Common Names: Copperband Butterflyfish, Beaked Butterflyfish, Copperband
• Origin: Indo-Pacific Region (Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines)
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 20 cm (8 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Marine Aquarium Setup:
Copperband Butterflyfish require a spacious aquarium of at least 300 liters, with ample live rock for grazing and hiding. Include plenty of crevices and caves to mimic their natural reef habitat. These fish thrive in peaceful community tanks with stable water conditions and moderate water flow. Avoid keeping them in tanks with aggressive species or overly active environments.

Marine Aquarium Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH

Diet:
Copperband Butterflyfish are carnivorous and can be finicky eaters, requiring a diet of small meaty foods. Offer live or frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and blackworms. They may also graze on Aiptasia anemones, which can help control pests in reef tanks. Introduce new foods gradually and observe their feeding habits to ensure they are eating properly.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Copperband Butterflyfish are peaceful and best suited for tanks with other non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include gobies, tangs, and small wrasses. Avoid housing them with large predatory fish or other butterflyfish, which may lead to territorial disputes. They can be kept singly or as a mated pair in large aquariums.

Growth and Maintenance:

Copperband Butterflyfish can grow up to 20 cm and require consistent care to thrive. Perform regular water changes and maintain pristine water quality. Their sensitive nature and specific dietary needs make them best suited for experienced marine aquarists or those willing to dedicate time to their care.

Availability:
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this elegant and vibrant fish to your marine aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

The Gold Striped Butterflyfish is a striking marine species featuring a bright yellow body adorned with elegant gold stripes and a distinctive black eye band. Native to the reefs of northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, this butterflyfish is a fascinating addition to large marine aquariums. While it requires specialized care, its beauty and graceful swimming make it a rewarding choice for experienced aquarists.

Product Details

• Species: Chaetodon aureofasciatus
• Common Names: Gold Striped Butterflyfish, Goldenlined Butterflyfish
• Origin: Northern Australia, Great Barrier Reef, Papua New Guinea
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate to Advanced

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
A minimum tank size of 300 liters (80 gallons) is recommended. Provide plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for shelter. These fish require ample swimming space and prefer a well-established marine environment with stable water conditions.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 27°C (75°F – 81°F)
• pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
• Water Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025

Diet:
Gold Striped Butterflyfish are omnivores with a preference for meaty foods and marine algae. They should be offered a varied diet, including:

• Frozen and live mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood
• High-quality marine flakes and pellets
• Algae-based foods and seaweed to support their nutritional needs

They may require time to adjust to prepared foods when introduced to an aquarium.

Behavior and Compatibility:
This species is semi-aggressive and may not be suitable for reef tanks, as it has a tendency to nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. It is best kept as a single specimen or in a bonded pair. Compatible tank mates include peaceful or semi-aggressive species such as tangs, angelfish, wrasses, and other butterflyfish of different species. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive fish or smaller, delicate tank mates.

Growth and Maintenance:

The Gold Striped Butterflyfish requires excellent water quality and regular maintenance, including weekly water changes of 10-15%. They are sensitive to poor water conditions, so a high-quality filtration system and protein skimmer are highly recommended. Strong water flow and moderate lighting will help mimic their natural reef habitat.

Availability:

The Gold Striped Butterflyfish (Chaetodon aureofasciatus) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Contact us today to check availability and bring home this stunning marine beauty!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.