Triangle Butterflyfish (Chaetodon triangulum)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Triangle Butterflyfish has a distinctive yellow body with black triangular markings and vertical bands. It features a black head mask and white spots or patches on the gill covers, with yellow dorsal and anal fins. The body shape is compressed and disc-like, typical of the butterflyfish family.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a varied diet including high-quality frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped squid), small crustaceans, and marine flakes. Some individuals will graze on natural coral polyps and zoanthids, making them potentially risky in reef aquariums. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Triangle Butterflyfish
Triangle Butterflyfish are challenging for most hobbyists. They are notoriously difficult to acclimate, slow to accept prepared foods, and prone to parasitic infections. They require pristine water conditions and excellent nutrition to thrive in captivity.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich, marine velvet), bacterial infections, poor feeding response, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE)
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Philippines, and the Red Sea. Found in coral reef environments from shallow reef flats to depths around 40 meters.
Log Triangle 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 Triangle Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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