Butterflyfish

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Butterflyfish

Group
Saltwater
Size
Medium
Temperament
Community Aggressive
Aquarium Size
Large (55 gal+)
Swimming Region
Middle
Fish Water Condition
Suitable Tank Mates
Clownfish, Gobies, Damsels, Hogfish, Parrotfish and Tangs
Difficulty Of Care
Weekly care
ADVERTISEMENT

Butterflyfish General description

Butterflyfish are a large family of saltwater fish made up of over 100 distinct species. They resemble angelfish in appearance and have compressed, disk shaped bodies. Although they are among the more demanding and expensive species of saltwater aquarium fish, butterflyfish are a favorite amongst hobbyists due to their dazzling colorations. These vibrant colorations and patterns are an evolutionary defense mechanism designed to confuse predators that prey on shoals of butterflyfish.

Butterflyfish are a large family of saltwater fish made up of over a 100 distinct species.

Origins

Butterflyfish are found in most coral reefs around the world.

Color

Butterflyfishes are one of the most colorful species of saltwater fish. They come in dazzling shades of blue, red, yellow and orange and often sport intricate patterns of stripes and spots.

Maintenance and care

ADVERTISEMENT

Most species of butterflyfishes have very specific dietary and environmental requirements, and should therefore only be kept by experienced aquarists. Butterflyfishes rely heavily on live rock and coral as a food supply and it is important to keep them in aquariums with lots of coral and live rock to graze on. They also prefer aquariums with large swimming spaces and numerous caves and crevices to hide in.

Butterflyfishes are generally peaceful towards other fish and make for excellent community fish. Certain species, however, can be very territorial and aggressive towards members of their own species and should not be housed together. However, there are certain species of butterflyfishes that can be kept in groups provided that they are housed in large aquariums.

Feeding

Butterflyfish do best when fed on a varied diet of both meaty and vegetarian foods. They can be fed on shrimp, brine shrimp, shellfish and seaweed sheets. It is important to remember that certain species have very specific dietary requirements that should be thoroughly researched prior to purchase.

Most species of butterflyfish have very specific dietary and environmental requirements, and should therefore only be kept by experienced aquarists.

Breeding

In the wild, butterflyfishes form breeding pairs that mate for life. However, breeding them in an aquarium environment is an extremely difficult task due to their extremely demanding water parameters. They also go through an extremely delicate larvae stage making them doubly hard to breed in the aquarium.

Aquarium varieties

Raccoon, Auriga, Yellow Longnose, Teardrop, Sunset, etc.

Photo Credit: Brocken Inaglory/Wikimedia; Nhobgood/Wikimedia

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Broholmer

Also known as a Danish Mastiff, the Broholmer is a large dog from Denmark. Despite its size and powerful build, this breed is a calm and good-tempered dog.

PetHub Turns Smartphones Into A Valuable Tracking Tool

Just scan the QR code on PetHub’s tag to identify a lost dog Most dogs aren’t equipped with a microchip, but most humans are equipped with a smar…

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Chubby

He’s not fat… he’s just big boned! Just kidding – his name is Chubby, but he’s just a little guy. Chubby is our Adoptable Dog…

Labrador Husky

Though the name of this breed suggests it is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky, the Labrador Husky is actually a separate breed.

Top 10 Workouts For Your Dog’s Brain

While a daily walk is essential to give your dog his fill of physical exercise, mental exercise is just as important. This is especially true for highly inte…

Fill Your Cat’s Stocking With Temptations Treats

Ho, ho, ho – holidays are here! As a loving pet parent, you’re probably already planning what presents to buy and what to stuff in your pet’s stocking – they’re a part of the family, too, so they deserve nothing less than to be a part of the holiday cheer and spirit of giving.

New Zealand Rabbit

The New Zealand Rabbit is large, muscular animals that has a beautiful coat. They are calm, and generally good with children and other pets.

Bardino Majorero

The Bardino Majorero was traditionally used as a cattle dog and livestock guardian. This means he can sometimes be aloof or even aggressive around strangers

Monthly Chocolate Box From Bitchfix Helps Fix Pet Overpopulation

Dogs and chocolate don''t mix... but people and Bitchfix chocolate do! Ten percent of every Bitchfix purchase goes toward spaying and neutering programs.

White Capped Pionus

The White Capped Pionus, or White Crowned Parrot as it is also known, is a friendly and fun parrot. Here''s everything you need to know about this breed!

The Tails Of NYC RescueMen Calendar Is Pawsitively Fetching

Hunky men? Check. Precious pooches? Check. Cuddly kitties? Check. Good cause? Check. This calendar’s got it all. We’ll take one for every room of…

Skye Terrier

With a long, flowing coat, people tend to underestimate the feistiness of the Skye Terrier. They are happy living in apartments, condos, homes or estates.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Biscuit

What a sweetie! This is Biscuit, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. He''s a five-year-old male Chihuahua mix from Wenatchee, Washington.

Genetta

The Genetta is a dwarf breed that has been bred to feature short legs and marbled or spotted fur. It''s a new feline breed that is still being developed.

Best Small Dog Beds

Small dog beds are specially designed to offer superior comfort and support to small breed dogs. Take a look at our selection of very best small dog beds!