Yellow Butterflyfish (Chaetodon selene)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Chaetodon selene has a bright yellow body with distinctive orange-yellow markings on the face and gill covers. The dorsal fin is yellow with black edge patterns, and it displays a characteristic dark spot ringed with light coloring near the base of the dorsal fin. The body is laterally compressed with the classic butterflyfish body shape.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality flake foods, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, and small amounts of vegetable matter. Feed 2–3 times daily with portion sizes appropriate to the fish's appetite.
Difficulty and care for the Yellow Butterflyfish
Moderate difficulty. While generally hardy once acclimated, Chaetodon selene can be finicky feeders initially and is susceptible to parasitic infections if water quality drops. They require stable water conditions and a varied diet.
Common health issues
Marine ich, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), parasitic infections, poor appetite in early acclimation
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, found in coral reef environments at depths typically between 5 and 40 meters.
Log Yellow 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 Yellow Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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