Quick Stats
Expert |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
Yellow with Black Markings |
Diet
Omnivore |
Reef Compatible
With caution |
Specific Gravity (sg) 1.020-1.025, 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
8 inches |
Family
Chaetodontidae |
Minimum Tank Size
125 gallons |
|
Description
The Golden Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) is a stunning, golden-hued species known for its bright yellow body with delicate, black vertical markings. This peaceful fish adds vibrant elegance to large aquariums, and its striking coloration makes it a focal point in any marine setup.
Originating from the coral-rich waters of the Red Sea, the Golden Butterflyfish thrives in aquariums with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing and shelter. Due to its gentle demeanor, it is well-suited for peaceful community tanks but may show mild aggression towards similar-looking fish.
This omnivorous species requires a varied diet of marine algae, sponges, and meaty foods to maintain optimal health and coloration. While it can be housed in reef aquariums, it may nip at coral polyps or other invertebrates, so careful observation is needed if introduced into a reef setup.