Wrought Iron Butterflyfish

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish (Chaetodon daedalma) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its rare and striking metallic appearance, featuring a deep charcoal-black body covered in bright, golden-yellow speckling—resembling wrought iron—and vivid yellow edges on the fins. Native to the cooler waters around Japan, it is one of the most sought-after and visually unique butterflyfish in the marine aquarium hobby. Males typically exhibit slightly bolder coloration and may be more active during courtship, while females/juveniles have similar markings but may be slightly smaller and more reserved in behavior. They reach about 6 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons.

Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter, along with open swimming space, as they are active swimmers that thrive in well-oxygenated, mature systems. Ensure stable water parameters: salinity between 1.020–1.025, temperature on the cooler side of the tropical range, around 72–77°F, and pH 8.1–8.4. A secure lid is important, as they may jump when startled.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, marine pellets, algae-based foods, and ideally sponge-based preparations, which help replicate their natural diet of small invertebrates and sponges. While generally peaceful, they may occasionally pick at corals or sessile invertebrates, making them reef-safe with caution depending on individual behavior and the coral species kept.

With its sleek appearance, calm temperament, and rarity in the trade, the Wrought Iron Butterflyfish is a true showpiece and a standout addition for experienced aquarists with a cool, stable, and spacious 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.