Black Butterflyfish

Black Butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris) is a peaceful species that is not reef-safe, admired for its deep charcoal-black body contrasted by a bright yellow snout and fins, subtle iridescent blue highlights, and overall elegant appearance. Males typically look similar to females, though during courtship or territorial displays may show slightly more intense coloration, while females/juveniles are similarly colored but may appear slightly smaller and less vibrant until maturity. They reach about 8 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 120 gallons.

Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding, open swimming space, and shaded or sheltered areas, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is recommended, as butterflyfish can be prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of a varied mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality pellets formulated for omnivores. They may also graze on sponge or sessile invertebrates, which is why they are not considered reef-safe. With proper care, this fish makes a striking and sophisticated addition to a fish-only or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.