Yellow-Tail Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Yellow-Tail Butterflyfish features a bright yellow tail fin and yellow pelvic fins, which are its distinguishing marks. The body is predominantly white to pale gray with distinctive black diagonal bands or stripes running across the head and body, and a characteristic black blotch near the dorsal fin base. The fish exhibits the classic butterflyfish body shape: deep, laterally compressed, and elongated.
Diet and feeding
In the aquarium, offer high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and small prepared foods formulated for butterflyfish. Supplement with occasional herbivorous foods. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to account for their natural grazing behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Yellow-Tail Butterflyfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich (white spot disease), fin rot, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiencies
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa east to the Hawaiian Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in reef environments at depths typically between 10 and 80 meters.
Log Yellow-Tail 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-Tail Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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