Description
Burgess’ Butterfly Fish – Chaetodon burgessi
Overview:
The Burgess’ Butterfly Fish is a striking deepwater species with a pale white body contrasted by bold diagonal black bands and a distinctive black face mask. Highly sought after for its unique appearance, this butterflyfish makes an eye-catching addition to large marine aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Micronesia.
Feeding:
Omnivorous – in the wild it feeds on coral polyps, sponges, and small invertebrates. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, sponge-based foods, and high-quality marine pellets.
Tank Mates:
Best suited to peaceful community fish in a fish-only setup. May not be reef safe due to its coral-feeding tendencies.
Aggression:
Generally peaceful, though can show mild aggression toward other butterflyfish in smaller tanks.
Experience Level:
Advanced – requires a large, stable aquarium and may be challenging to acclimate to prepared foods.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 120+ gallons
The Burgess’ Butterfly Fish is a rare and elegant species, best kept by experienced aquarists seeking a distinctive showpiece for a fish-only marine system.
