Oriental Butterflyfish

The Oriental Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auripes) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vibrant golden-yellow body accented with two bold vertical dark bands across the eye and tail, along with its graceful swimming style. Males typically share the same coloration as females but may appear slightly larger and more robust, while females/juveniles are smaller, with softer hues that intensify as they mature. They reach about 7 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for grazing and hiding, sandy substrate, and plenty of open swimming space, while maintaining stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is important since butterflyfish can jump if startled.

Diet should consist of a varied mix of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepods, high-quality marine pellets, and algae-based foods. With proper care, the Oriental Butterflyfish becomes a striking and elegant addition to the aquarium, appreciated for both its beauty and calm demeanor.

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.