Speckled Butterflyfish

Speckled Butterflyfish (Chaetodon citrinellus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking speckled coloration, distinctive yellow body with white spots, and elegant, laterally compressed shape. Males typically exhibit brighter coloration and slightly larger size, while females and juveniles tend to be paler with less intense spotting. They reach about 6 inches (15 cm) in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for grazing and hiding spots, along with open swimming space to mimic their natural reef habitat. Maintain stable water parameters with salinity around 1.020-1.025, temperature between 72-79°F (22-26°C), and pH approximately 8.1-8.4. A secure lid is essential since many butterflyfish are prone to jumping.

Their diet should consist of a variety of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality pellets or flakes formulated for omnivorous marine fish, supplemented occasionally with algae. With proper care, the Speckled Butterflyfish makes a standout and elegant addition to a peaceful reef or 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.