Ornate Butterflyfish

The Ornate Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ornatissimus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking orange body marked with bold diagonal white bands, outlined in black, and its elegant, elongated fins. Males typically share the same vivid coloration as females but may be slightly larger and more robust, while females/juveniles are smaller and often display softer tones that brighten as they mature. They reach about 7–8 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for grazing, hiding spots, sandy substrate, and 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 necessary since butterflyfish can leap when startled.

Diet should consist of a varied mix of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and algae-based foods. With proper care, the Ornate Butterflyfish makes a breathtaking showpiece in the aquarium, admired for both its beauty and graceful swimming behavior.

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.