Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon striatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Banded Butterflyfish has a distinctive white to pale yellow body crossed by thick black vertical bands. It has a characteristic black eye patch and a small black spot on the dorsal fin. The fish exhibits the typical deep, compressed butterflyfish body shape.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of quality flake food, micro pellets, and small frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Butterflyfish are omnivorous but prefer small meaty items, and regular feeding helps maintain health and coloration.
Difficulty and care for the Banded Butterflyfish
The Banded Butterflyfish requires moderate care—it is hardy once acclimated but demands a well-established tank, stable water conditions, and consistent feeding of varied small foods. It can be shy initially but typically becomes a confident feeder with proper diet.
Common health issues
Ich, fin rot, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiencies
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic, found from Florida through the Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean Sea to South America, including islands and coastal reefs.
Log Banded Butterflyfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Banded Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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