Blackburn's Butterflyfish

Blackburn’s Butterflyfish (Chaetodon blackburnii) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vivid yellow body contrasted by vertical black stripes, distinctive facial mask, and elegantly shaped fins. Native to the western Indian Ocean and surrounding reefs, this butterflyfish is appreciated for its bold patterning and graceful swimming.

Males typically grow slightly larger and display brighter coloration during breeding, while females/juveniles remain smaller with more muted markings until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons, offering sufficient swimming space and stable conditions.

Provide ample live rock with hiding spots, open swimming areas, and a secure lid, since butterflyfish may jump when startled. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, pH 8.1–8.4) for optimal health.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and occasional algae-based foods. With proper care, this species makes a striking and elegant addition to the marine 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.