Chaetodon auriga

Quick Stats

Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: Black, White, Yellow Diet: Omnivore Reef Compatible: No Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023 Max. Size: 8″ Origin: Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tonga Family: Chaetodontidae Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Overview

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. This species of Butterflyfish is not reef safe. It should be kept in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.

The Auriga Butterflyfish’s diet should consist of meaty items such as fish, crustaceans, mysis shrimp, and frozen marine preparations

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″ X Large 4-1/2″ to 6″