Threadfin Butterflyfish

About

The cross-stripe butterfly (Chaetodon auriga) is one of the most familiar butterflyfish in the trade, and for good reason. It has a range that stretches from the Red Sea and East Africa all the way out to Hawaii and the Marquesas, turning up on lush coral reefs as readily as on scrubby rubble flats and weedy shallows. That adaptability in the wild hints at a fish that handles aquarium life more tolerantly than many of its family members. In terms of looks, it sports the bold diagonal yellow and white barring typical of the genus, accented by a dark eyespot near the rear of the dorsal fin that helps distinguish it from similar species. Out in the ocean it moves around quite a bit, sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs, and occasionally in loose groups covering considerable ground while browsing on polychaete worms, anemones, coral polyps, and algae. That coral-nipping habit is the main catch in a reef tank setting. This fish will sample corals and anemones, so it is generally better suited to a fish-only or FOWLR setup. Temperament-wise it is shy and non-aggressive toward tankmates, though it needs enough space to feel secure and move comfortably. A reasonable choice for an intermediate keeper with the right setup.