Tinker's butterflyfish (Chaetodon tinkeri) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Hawaiian black-and-white butterflyfish
Family
Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes)
Origin
Central Pacific: Hawaii, Johnston and the Marshall Islands; deep reefs near steep slopes at about 27–80 m, closely linked with black coral.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
300 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no

Care

A prized, costly deep-water fish (Wikipedia gives an average US price of around $699). Collected by hand net from the wild only; 300 litres is an estimate from its size. Water figures here are general reef aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026. As a deep-reef fish it may prefer the cooler end and subdued light. Forms monogamous pairs that may share a patch of coral, with little aggression seen. White with small black spots, a yellow mask and a black rear half of the dorsal area. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern, though aquarium collection and invasive snowflake coral harming black coral are noted concerns. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetodontinkeri). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats coral polyps, worms, plankton and other invertebrates. In captivity offer mysis, chopped shellfish and worms several times a day.

Breeding

Monogamous pairs spawn with external fertilisation and give no parental care. Not bred in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful. Listed as not reef safe: it may eat coral polyps and small invertebrates.

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

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