Description
Aquarium Requirements:
- Tank Size: 120+ gallons (450+ liters) due to its active swimming behavior.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025
- Water Flow: Moderate
Size & Lifespan:
- Adult Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm)
- Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
Behavior & Tank Mates:
- Semi-aggressive—may be territorial, especially toward other butterflyfish.
- Best kept alone or in pairs, but can cohabitate with peaceful tankmates like tangs and larger wrasses.
- Not reef-safe—will eat corals, polyps, and invertebrates.
Diet & Feeding:
- Omnivorous, with a diet that includes:
- Sponges & coral polyps (difficult to replace in captivity)
- Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill
- High-quality frozen and pellet foods
- Marine algae & seaweed
- Feed at least 2–3 times daily to maintain health.
Additional Care Tips:
- Difficult to keep—often requires live coral for proper nutrition.
- Needs plenty of hiding spots and live rock for grazing.
- Prone to stress and disease—ensure high water quality and quarantine before introducing to a display tank.
This species is best suited for advanced aquarists due to its feeding challenges.
