Blacktail Butterflyfish

Blacktail Butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its bright yellow body with striking black tail, vertical facial stripe, and elegant fin shape. Native to the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean, this butterflyfish is known for its vibrant coloration and graceful swimming.

Males typically grow slightly larger and exhibit more vivid coloration during breeding, while females/juveniles remain smaller with slightly muted colors until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons to provide ample swimming space and environmental stability.

Provide plenty of live rock with hiding spots, open swimming areas, and a secure lid since butterflyfish are active swimmers prone to jumping. 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 vivid 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.