Thompson's Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys thompsoni)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Thompson's Butterflyfish is a distinctive member of the Chaetodontidae family with a predominantly white to pale yellow body marked by bold black bands and patches. The face features characteristic black eye-bands and mouth markings, while the dorsal and anal fins display striking black patterns. The species has the compressed, discoid body shape typical of butterflyfish.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality flaked foods, small frozen foods (mysis shrimp, copepods), and occasional preparations of natural coral polyps or sponge-based foods. Feed 2–3 times daily in appropriate portion sizes.
Difficulty and care for the Thompson's Butterflyfish
Thompson's Butterflyfish is moderately challenging, requiring stable water parameters, a varied diet that mimics natural feeding (coral polyps and small invertebrates), and adequate aquascaping with hiding refuges. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial with conspecifics.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, nutritional deficiencies, lateral line erosion
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to Hawaii and the central Pacific, found in coral reef environments at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Thompson'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 Thompson's Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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