Gunther's Butterflyfish

Gunther’s Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guentheri) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its pale yellow body with faint vertical striping, black facial mask, and elegant fin shape. Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral reefs in the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia, this species is valued for its subtle yet striking coloration and calm swimming behavior.

Males typically grow slightly larger and exhibit more vivid coloration during courtship, while females/juveniles remain smaller with softer markings until maturity. They reach about 5–6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75–100 gallons, providing sufficient swimming space and a stable environment.

Provide live rock with crevices for hiding, open swimming areas, and a secure lid, as butterflyfish are known to 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, brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and occasional algae-based foods. With proper care, Gunther’s Butterflyfish makes a graceful and elegant addition to 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.