Lined Butterfly Fish

Origin / Habitat : Reef face, reef slopes in heavy coral growth areas in the Indo-Pacific, throughout the Red Sea to Hawaii and south to the Great Barrier Reef.

Temperament / Behavior : Even though they are sometimes found in groups in the ocean, only keep one to a tank. They may scrap with similar colored/marked fish.

Breeding : To our knowledge this species has not bred in captivity.

Aquarium Size : 150 gallon (570 liters) minimum given their adult size of 12 inches, one of the biggest butterfly fish.

Tank Mates : Lined Butterflyfish can be fairly hardy and may do well with similarly sized non-butterfly species. Keep them out of saltwater reef tanks. May nip at corals and smaller invertebrates. This is known as one of the more aggressive butterflies.

Fish Disease : Saltwater Fish Disease – Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment.

Diet / Foods : Besides the acclimation period, feeding them may present one of the most challenging aspects of keeping them. Frequent small feedings per day of marine origin meaty type foods should be given.

Tank Region : All over, can be a very active swimmer.

Gender : No externally distinguishing characteristics to determine the differences between males and females.

Forum : Saltwater Butterfly Fish Forum