Auriga Butterflyfish

Auriga Butterflyfish 

(Chaetodon auriga)

QUICK STATS

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023

Max. Size: 8"

Color Form: Black, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Tonga

Family: Chaetodontidae

The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the more popular and readily available butterflyfish. Generally a hardy species, in the wild it is found on inner and outer reef slopes. As with many fish, the Threadfin Butterfly's color and markings can vary with the region of origin. Red Sea specimens tend to lose the eyespot (false eye to confuse predators) on the dorsal fin.

The Auriga Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided multiple hiding places. It is safe to keep it in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.

The Auriga Butterflyfish's diet should primarily consist of plankton frozen, freeze-dried, fresh orflake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.

Butterflyfish Index  Marine Fish Index