Product Description
The Threadfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is one of the most recognisable and hardy butterflyfish available for marine aquariums. It features a pearly white body with intricate diagonal black markings, vibrant yellow highlights, a bold black eye band, and an elegant trailing filament extending from the dorsal fin in mature specimens.
Active and constantly on the move, the Threadfin Butterflyfish adds colour and personality to large marine aquariums. It adapts well to captive life when housed in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and a varied diet, making it one of the better butterflyfish choices for intermediate marine aquarists.
Care Guide
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Scientific Name: Chaetodon auriga
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Common Name: Threadfin Butterflyfish
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Care Level: Moderate
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Diet: Omnivore (marine algae, sponge-based foods, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets)
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Reef Safe: With caution (may nip at soft corals, LPS corals, feather duster worms, and other sessile invertebrates)
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Minimum Tank Size: 300 litres
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Water Temperature: 24–27°C
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
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Maximum Size: Up to 23cm
Feeding
Feed two to three times daily with a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, marine algae, sponge-based preparations, chopped seafood, and premium marine pellets or flakes. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant colouration and overall health.
Aquarium Setup
Provide a mature marine aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing, caves for shelter, and ample open swimming space. Excellent filtration, moderate water movement, and stable water parameters are essential.
Compatibility
Suitable with:
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Clownfish
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Tangs
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Wrasses
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Angelfish
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Gobies
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Blennies
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Foxface Rabbitfish
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Most peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish
Avoid housing with:
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Highly aggressive or territorial species
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Reef aquariums containing valuable corals or ornamental invertebrates
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Other butterflyfish in smaller aquariums
The Threadfin Butterflyfish is a beautiful and active marine species that combines elegant markings, graceful swimming, and hardy nature, making it an excellent feature fish for established saltwater aquariums.
