Facts on the Golden Butterfly Fish

The scientific name for the golden butterfly fish is Chaetodon semilaratus, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. The golden butterfly fish is commonly found in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Areas of coral reef growth have particularly high concentrations of golden butterfly fish. Golden butterfly can also be found in western Africa river regions, according to Whoozoo.org. Golden butterfly fish display a vibrant yellow color that's admired by fish lovers throughout the world. The golden butterfly fish lives in warm waters.

  1. Habitat

    • Golden butterfly fish are found at depths between 10 and 65 feet, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. Golden butterfly fish like to live in water that's between 72 and 78 degrees F.

    Size

    • Golden butterfly fish can grow to lengths of up to 23 cm, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. Male and female golden butterfly fish do not differ in size, according to Fishprofiles.com.

    Characteristics

    • The golden butterfly fish has a golden color with contrasting black vertical stripes, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. The golden butterfly fish commonly eats live coral. This fish usually acts extremely passively when near other fish. Golden butterfly fish are commonly found swimming in groups between 50 and 60 fish, according to Animal-world.com. These fish have a triangular black patch that covers their eyes.

    Considerations

    • The golden butterfly fish is commonly kept as an aquarium pet, according to Aquaticommunity.com. Golden butterfly fish should not be kept in aquariums with less than 80 gallons. These fish are somewhat difficult to take care of because it's difficult to get them to eat when placed in a new aquarium. However, out of all species of butterfly fish the golden butterfly fish is the easiest to take care of, according to Animal-world.com. No more than two butterfly fish should be kept in the same aquarium together. Golden butterfly fish reproduce by laying eggs. Very little is known about the breeding behavior of golden butterfly fish. Fish such as neon gobies and wrasse commonly eat parasites off the body of the golden butterfly fish thus providing them with a cleaning service, according to Animal-world.com. Golden butterfly fish are not an endangered species, according to Whozoo.org.

    Diet

    • The golden butterfly fish is a carnivore, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. Golden butterfly fish eat mainly live coral reefs and small invertebrates such as worms and shrimps.

    Taxonomy

    • The golden butterfly fish belongs to the animalia kingdom, chordata phylum, actinopteryii class, perciormes order and chaetodontidae family, according to Animal-world.com.