Blueblotch Butterflyfish

Blueblotch Butterflyfish (Chaetodon plebeius) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its bright yellow body accented with distinctive blue blotches, subtle vertical stripes, and elegant fins. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding coral reefs, and is valued for its striking color pattern and active, graceful swimming.

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

Provide ample live rock with crevices for hiding, 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 colorful and eye-catching 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.