Golden Butterflyfish Fact Sheet

The golden butterflyfish is one of more than 100 species of butterflyfish. Because of his strikingly bright coloration and peaceful nature, this fish has become a popular addition to many saltwater aquariums, as well as a prized species for scuba divers. Although the species is considered one of the easier-to-care-for butterflyfishes, he requires careful monitoring of water temperatures and conditions, so he may not be a good choice for beginning aquarists.

  1. Description

    • In the wild, the golden butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) lives primarily in the mature coral reefs of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The species is also found in the rivers of western Africa. The golden butterflyfish's body is vivid yellow with vertical reddish-brown striping. The fish has a pointed snout and a dark blue mask on his face, which is why the species is often called the bluecheek butterflyfish or masked butterflyfish. The golden butterflyfish can grow as large as 12 inches long but averages about 9 inches long. It usually lives for 5 to 7 years in the wild, although in captivity, with proper care, it can live as long as 10 years.

    In the Aquarium

    • Because of its large size, the golden butterflyfish requires an aquarium of at least 80 gallons. Provide plenty of rocks for hiding places, but make sure to leave open space in the center for swimming. In an aquarium environment, this fish will eat live corals, so you̵7;ll want to avoid those in your tank. It typically coexists with other small peaceful fish but does best without other butterflyfish unless it is part of a compatible pair. Small fish species such as neon gobies and wrasses will provide a cleaning service by eating parasites off the body of the golden butterflyfish. The golden butterflyfish prefers warm water, so keep the temperature between 72 and 78 degrees F. The pH of your water should be 8.1 to 8.4 and should have a specific gravity of 1.028 to 1.035.

    Diet

    • The golden butterfly fish is an omnivore, so you̵7;ll need to provide a varied diet of fresh or frozen fish, flake food, pellets, brine shrimp and nori, dried seaweed. This fish can be picky when you first add it to your tank, so make sure to feed it a variety of food types four or five times a day. Once the fish is acclimated, you should feed the fish twice a day.

    Reproduction

    • Chaetodon semilarvatus is an egg-laying species. In the wild, the female releases many tiny eggs into the water. The eggs float in the current until they hatch into larvae covered with bony plates for protection against predators. The golden butterflyfish has not been successfully cultivated in captivity.