Description

Blackburn’s Butterfly Fish – Chaetodon blackburnii

Overview:
The Blackburn’s Butterfly Fish is a stunning species, showcasing a golden-yellow body with bold vertical black bands and a distinctive black eye stripe. Its active swimming behavior and striking coloration make it a standout addition to large marine aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Western Indian Ocean, including the waters of East Africa, Madagascar, and nearby islands.

Feeding:
In the wild, it feeds on coral polyps, small invertebrates, and algae. In captivity, offer a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, sponge-based foods, and high-quality marine preparations.

Tank Mates:
Best kept with peaceful community fish. Not considered reef safe, as it may nip at corals and invertebrates.

Aggression:
Generally peaceful, though may display mild territoriality toward other butterflyfish if housed in smaller systems.

Experience Level:
Intermediate to advanced – requires a large, stable aquarium and a well-rounded diet.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 120+ gallons

The Blackburn’s Butterfly Fish is a beautiful and lively species, perfect for aquarists seeking a colorful centerpiece for a fish-only marine aquarium.