Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its brilliant golden-yellow body adorned with thin vertical blue lines, elongated dorsal and anal fins, and graceful swimming style. Native to the Red Sea and northern Indian Ocean reefs, this butterflyfish is highly sought after for its vibrant coloration and elegant appearance.

Males typically grow slightly larger and exhibit more intense coloration during courtship, while females/juveniles remain smaller with slightly less vivid markings until maturity. They reach about 7 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 125 gallons, providing ample swimming space and a stable environment.

Provide plentiful 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) to ensure 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 Semilarvatus Butterflyfish makes a vivid 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.