Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Chaetodon vagabundus is a striking yellow and white butterflyfish with distinctive black vertical bands running across its body. The head is bright yellow with a black eye-stripe (ocellus), and the dorsal fin is yellow with thin black markings. The body displays broad white vertical bars alternating with yellow sections, creating a banded pattern characteristic of this species.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods including frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, small pieces of fresh seafood, and quality flake foods. Supplement with occasional live copepods. Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.
Difficulty and care for the Vagabond Butterflyfish
Moderately difficult. The Vagabond Butterflyfish requires excellent water quality, stable conditions, and a varied diet. It is somewhat prone to parasitic infections and may nip at stony corals and zoanthids, requiring careful tank mates and close observation.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich, marine velvet), head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), feeding reluctance in new tank environments
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to the Hawaiian Islands and Great Barrier Reef, typically found on coral reef slopes and drop-offs at depths of 5–30 meters.
Log Vagabond 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 Vagabond Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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