Auriga butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Threadfin butterflyfish
Family
Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes)
Origin
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, the Marquesas and Ducie, north to Japan, south to Lord Howe Island; 1–35 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
23 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

A large butterflyfish; 400 litres is an estimate from its adult size. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and water quality stable. White at the front with thin dark lines fanning out from the head, yellow at the rear with a dark wedge where the lines meet, and (in adults) a thread trailing from the dorsal fin. A single 2015 record off Italy was probably an aquarium release; never release aquarium fish. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetodonauriga). Checked October 2026.

Diet

The source does not describe its diet. It is generally fed a varied diet of mysis, chopped shellfish, worms, krill and algae-based foods several times a day.

Breeding

Not described in the sources.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful with other fish. Not reef safe: it may pick at corals and small invertebrates.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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