Hong Kong Butterflyfish

Hong Kong Butterflyfish (Chaetodon wiebeli) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its silvery body with subtle vertical black bands, delicate blue lines on the face, and elegantly shaped fins. Native to the Western Pacific, including waters around Hong Kong, Taiwan, and southern Japan, this butterflyfish is appreciated for its refined coloration and calm demeanor.

Males typically grow slightly larger and display slightly more vivid facial markings during breeding, while females/juveniles remain smaller with less pronounced banding until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons, ensuring ample swimming space and a stable environment.

Provide live rock with hiding spots, open swimming areas, and a secure lid, as 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.

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 Hong Kong 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.