Threadfin Butterflyfish

Care at a glance

Overview

One of the hardier, easier-to-feed butterflyfish, which makes it a common choice, but it is a committed omnivore that samples corals and inverts. Mostly peaceful toward other fish though it can squabble with other butterflies, so keep one per tank. It readily accepts frozen and prepared foods once settled.

In the wild

Threadfins range widely across the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea on coral-rich reefs, lagoons, and reef flats, from shallows down to about 35 metres. They are generalist foragers that pick at coral polyps, worms, algae, and small invertebrates. In captivity they need a large tank with live rock to graze on and plenty of open swimming room.

Good to know

Chaetodon auriga is one of the most widespread and hardy butterflyfish in family Chaetodontidae. The common name refers to the trailing filament (thread) extending from the rear of the dorsal fin in most populations. It bears a black eyespot on the dorsal fin. Adults reach around 23 cm, making it one of the larger Chaetodon species.

Did you know

Because it eats a broad range of foods and adapts well, C. auriga is often recommended as a first butterflyfish for fish-only systems, unlike most of its coral-obligate relatives that starve in captivity.

Related species

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• 

  Klein's Butterflyfish

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• 

  Pearlscale Butterflyfish

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• 

  Milletseed Butterflyfish

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