Gardner's Butterflyfish (Chaetodon gardineri)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Gardner's Butterflyfish displays a distinctive white to pale yellow body with prominent vertical black bars running across the flanks. The head and anterior body are predominantly white with black markings, and the dorsal and anal fins are yellow with black edges. A characteristic dark stripe passes through the eye, typical of Chaetodon species.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet including high-quality marine flakes, small frozen foods (mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp), and dried seaweed. Offer food 2–3 times daily in small portions. They may pick at coral polyps and require careful observation during feeding.
Difficulty and care for the Gardner's Butterflyfish
Gardner's Butterflyfish is moderately difficult, requiring stable water conditions, appropriate diet, and peaceful tank mates. It can be shy initially but generally becomes more confident over time with proper acclimation.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), parasitic infections, poor appetite during acclimation
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding reefs from Indonesia eastward to Fiji and Vanuatu.
Log Gardner's 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 Gardner's Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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