Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Threadfin Butterflyfish is a deep-bodied fish with predominantly yellow coloration on the head and body, accented with black and white diagonal stripes. A distinctive black eye-band runs vertically through the eye, and elongated dorsal fin rays extend beyond the body like threads, giving the species its common name.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied omnivorous diet including mysis shrimp, copepods, small crustaceans, and quality prepared foods. In captivity, offer a mix of frozen and dried foods supplemented with occasional vegetable matter to mimic their natural grazing behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Threadfin Butterflyfish
Moderate difficulty. The Threadfin Butterflyfish is hardier than many butterflies but can be sensitive to poor water quality and sudden environmental changes. Requires a well-established reef with stable parameters.
Common health issues
Ich, marine velvet, parasitic infections, fin damage from aggression, poor appetite in new tanks
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific, including Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef.
Log Threadfin 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 Threadfin Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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