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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 200 ft. Size: 9 in. Jumps: No Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Algae, soft corals, polychaetes, anemones, hard corals, worms, sea cucumber tentacles, tunicates
Natural History: The Auriga Butterflyfish is found in reef lagoons, flats and slopes. Adults are observed singly, in pairs, or in small groups. Juvenils are generally observed singly in shallower water than adults. It forages among coral rubble and crevices for all types of benthic invertebrate prey. It has been observed to swim with goatfish and eat the worms that the goatfish exposes in the sand. The Auriga Butterflyfish strongly defends nightime retreat areas from intruders.
Husbandry: The Auriga Butterflyfish is considered an excellent species for a home aquarium. It will feed on nearly any aquarium fare. It should be housed in a fish-only system. It is one of the more aggressive butterflyfish and should be housed singly. It will feed on Aiptasia but will also feed on desirable invertebrates. This species has lived up to 12 years in captivity.
AKA: Threadfin Butterflyfish