Lined Butterflyfish

Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its white to pale yellow body covered with thin vertical black lines, distinct black eye stripe, and elegant fin shape. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including coral reefs of the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia, this butterflyfish is highly valued for its intricate line pattern and graceful swimming.

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

Provide live rock with crevices for hiding, open swimming areas, and a secure lid, as butterflyfish are prone to jumping 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, the Lined Butterflyfish makes a striking 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.