Did you know that of the currently 128 species of butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) now recognized in the family, approximately half are suitable for home aquarists? Problem is most of these are not readily available to us. Most members of the genus Prognathodes are able to survive in aquariums but are rare in pet shops. So out of the 60 or so species that are suitable only about 20 could be considered suitable and readily available. Here are a few of them.

1. Threadfin Butterflyfish – AKA Auriga Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga). Hails from the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is an omnivore, feeding on filamentous algae and invertebrates. Loves to tear pieces off of soft corals, stony corals, sea anemones, and polychaete worms. One of the more aggressive members of the family, chasing its own species members and species with similar color patterns. Not suitable for a reef tank. Can be used to clean live rock of glass anemones (Aiptasia).

2. Burgess’ Butterflyfish – (C. burgessi) Hails from the western Pacific on drop-offs, usually at depths greater than 130 feet. One of the most suitable of the butterflyfishes for aquariums. Will feed on most aquarium fare, including flake foods, should be provided a varied diet to ensure color brilliance and good health. Not aggressive towards other fish and you can keep more than one in a large aquarium. It may pick at stony corals but it has been kept with mushroom anemones and certain soft corals such as Litophyton, Cladiella.

3. Klein’s Butterflyfish – (C. kleinii) one of the easiest to keep. From the Indo-Pacific region. Feeds primarily on filamentous algae, macroalgae fronds, soft coral polyps, anemones, and zooplankton. Food habit studies also indicate that it will eat stony coral polyps, sponges, and polychaete worm tentacles. Will accept almost any food offered once it has acclimated, should be fed a varied diet to insure optimum health. Can be kept with other butterflyfishes including its own species and will also tolerate moderately aggressive fish as long as the Klein’s is introduced to the tank before them. They are also sometimes used to control Aipstasia sea anemones.

4. Tinker’s Butterflyfish – (C. tinkeri) least common of our best selection because of its deep dwelling habits. Most often found at depths of greater than 100 feet. Feeds on a variety of planktonic and bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as soft coral polyps and tubeworms. Should have several hiding places that it can bolt into if frightened. Not overly aggressive but it may quarrel with members of its own kind or with closely related species.

5. Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish – (C. ulietensis) Hails from the tropical western and south Pacific. Omnivorous, feeding mostly on zoanthids, anemones, stony coral polyps, soft coral polyps, and filamentous algae. Shy in the beginning and should be provided with plenty of places to hide. Should also be kept with relatively peaceful tankmates. It is a threat to a wide range of sessile invertebrates and is not considered reef safe.

6. Vagabond Butterflyfish – (C. vagabundus) Hails from the western Pacific reefs. It also is omnivorous feeding on sea anemones, polychaete worm tentacles, hard coral polyps, mollusk eggs and filamentous algae. Will also eat sea slugs, soft coral polyps, sea cucumber tentacles, hydroids, sponges, worms, tunicates, and shrimp. In the aquarium it will accept a wide range of food, including chopped, fresh or frozen seafood; brine shrimp; frozen preparations; and flake food. Does best if provided plenty of swimming room and can be kept in pairs or with other butterflyfish species. It is not suitable for a reef tank.

7. Longfin Bannerfish – (Heniochus acuminatus) is the most common and readily available member of the genus. Feeds on zooplankton and sessile invertebrates. Young individuals will also clean other fish. Attains a fairly large size (10 inches) and should be kept in at least a 100 gallon aquarium. Will eat most foods offered and will tolerate members of its own kind as long as they are introduced at the same time.

8. Schooling Bannerfish – (H. diphreutes) is similar to the longfin bannerfish. Feeds mostly on zooplankton. Should be provided plenty of swimming room and can be kept in groups in the aquarium. One of the most suitable butterflyfish for the reef tank but an occasional individual may pick at corals. Most, however, will ignore corals if adequately fed. In a reef tank to maintain the fish’s health, it should be fed several times a day.

9. Yellow Long-Nosed Butterflyfish – (Forcipiger flavissimus) one of the most popular of the butterflyfish. Its jaws are like needle-nosed pliers and when it feeds it will tear pieces from invertebrates. It will eat the tentacles of tube worms, spaghetti worms, and the tube feed of sea urchins. Will also ingest copepods, amphipods and fish eggs. It also feeds to a lesser degree on hydroids, sea slugs, and soft and stony coral polyps. Will do better if kept in a peaceful community tank but can be kept with moderately aggressive tankmates if it is introduced before them. Best to keep one per tank as it will act aggressive toward its own species. This species will sometimes tear up Aipstasia anemones though not as well as the less hardy copperband butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus).