General information - Threadfin Butterfly is an amazing member of the

Chaetodontidae family. This species considers being one of the easiest

butterflies to keep in captivity. This fish is an excellent beginning marine

fish. Threadfin Butterfly received its name from the thread exist in its

dorsal fin. In the wild, Threadfin Butterfly can be seen in small groups

pairs or singles inhabits reef environments up to depth of 10 meters. The

Threadfin Butterfly fish can be recognized by its striking colors and by

its famous thread or filament trailing from the soft dorsal fin of adults

Common Name - Threadfin Butterfly

Scientific Name - Chaetodon auriga

Family - Chaetodontidae

Origin - Indian and Pacific Oceans

Size – Up to 23 cm ( 9inches)

First discovered - Forsskal, 1775

Nutrition – In the wild the Threadfin Butterfly is benthic feeding species that feed mostly on plankton,

coral polyps, algae, shrimp, worms and other invertebrates. In captivity, it will benefit from high quality

commercial foods, frozen food and live food is essential for this species. It is highly recommended to feed

this fish in small amounts several times a day.

Behavior – Semi-aggressive

 Maintenance and care - The Threadfin Butterfly should be kept in a fish tank of at least 75 gallons and

up with plenty of room to swim and plenty of rocks to hide. This species is not a reef safe so it can be

kept only in fish only aquariums. The Threadfin Butterfly needs highly oxygenated water and should be

kept with peaceful tankmates. Many saltwater fish keepers use this hardy species to rid their systems

of Aiptasia anemones

Water Parameters - Temperature: 72F-78F, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.025

Breeding – Not yet bred in captivity. Little is known about their breeding habits in the wild but they are

known to be monogamous, they mate with one partner and maintain this partnership for the rest of

their lives.