Marquesas Butterflyfish

Marquesas Butterflyfish (Chaetodon declivis) is a peaceful species that is considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its crisp white body with dark diagonal stripes, black markings on the dorsal region, and vivid yellow highlights on the fins. This striking coloration makes it a rare and desirable butterflyfish in the aquarium trade.

Males typically display slightly bolder striping and grow a bit larger, while females/juveniles have more subdued markings and remain smaller and less elongated. They reach about 5–6 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons, as they require both swimming room and structured areas to feel secure.

Provide a mix of live rock with crevices and hiding spots, along with open swimming space. They thrive under stable water conditions (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) and require a secure lid, since they may dart upward when startled.

Diet should consist of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, algae sheets, and high-quality marine pellets. Over time, they may graze on natural growths in the tank. With proper care, the Marquesas Butterflyfish becomes a rare and elegant showpiece species for experienced marine aquarists.

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.