Golden Butterflyfish

Golden Butterflyfish (Chaetodon aureofasciatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vibrant golden-yellow body with delicate vertical stripes, striking black eye band, and elegant fins. Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral reefs of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia, this butterflyfish is prized for its bright coloration and graceful swimming.

Males typically grow slightly larger and display more vivid coloration during breeding, while females/juveniles remain smaller with softer coloration until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons, providing adequate space for swimming and a stable environment.

Provide plentiful 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) to ensure optimal health and longevity.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and occasional algae-based foods. With proper care, the Golden Butterflyfish makes a striking and elegant centerpiece in a 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.