Threadfin Butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
Family : Chaetodontidae
The Threadfin Butterflyfish is an elegant fish with a long filamentous dorsal fin. It is popular in marine aquariums but requires a spacious tank.
Description
Chaetodon auriga has a laterally compressed body and white coloration with oblique black bands. A long filamentous extension of the dorsal fin is characteristic. It has a black spot on the caudal peduncle. It is active and swims throughout the water column. In an aquarium, it may be shy at first but acclimates. It feeds on coral polyps, anemones, and small invertebrates. It is generally peaceful but may become territorial towards other butterflyfish.
Habitat
Region :
Coral reefs and lagoons
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
An aquarium of at least 300 liters is recommended for this butterflyfish. It prefers good water quality with stable parameters: temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4. It is omnivorous and accepts a variety of frozen and dry foods, but may be difficult to feed initially. It is best kept alone or as a pair in a species-specific tank. Avoid aggressive fish. It may nip at soft corals and anemones, so not recommended for reefs. Vitamin-enriched food is beneficial. Captive breeding is rare.
Similar species
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