More info
Common Name: Threadfin Butterflyfish
Order: Perciformes — Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Distribution: Found in coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific islands, including the Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, and Micronesia. Absent from the eastern Pacific.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years in the wild; potentially longer in captivity with proper care
pH: 8.1 to 8.4 — Hardness: 8–12 dKH
Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F)
Minimum Tank Size: 300 liters (75+ gallons). Should include rocky zones with hiding places and open swimming space. Stable, high-quality water with strong circulation and reef-level lighting is essential.
Behavior & Compatibility:
Generally peaceful but may show territorial behavior toward other butterflyfish. Can be kept with other peaceful marine species, but may nip at corals and invertebrates, making it challenging for reef tanks with live coral. Best kept singly or as a pair in large aquariums.
Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates, coral polyps, algae, and zooplankton. In captivity, offer a varied diet including frozen foods (Artemia, mysis), marine-specific prepared foods, and seaweed (e.g., spirulina or nori). Feed 2–3 times daily.
Reproduction:
Oviparous. Rarely breeds in captivity. Forms monogamous pairs in the wild and performs pelagic spawning, with buoyant eggs hatching in about 24 hours.
Sexual Dimorphism:
No known external differences between males and females; both sexes have similar appearance.
Biotope:
Inhabits coral reefs and reef slopes, usually seen in pairs or small groups. Freely swims near reef structures.
Etymology:
Chaetodon is from Greek chaite ("long hair") and odous ("tooth"), referring to their bristle-like teeth. Auriga means "charioteer", likely referring to the trailing filament on the dorsal fin resembling reins.