Auriga Butterfly

Description

The Auriga Butterflyfish has an oval, laterally compressed body with a gleaming white to silvery base colour, accented by fine diagonal grey lines across the flanks. A bold black bar runs vertically through the eye, and the posterior portion of the dorsal fin bears a distinctive trailing filament (“threadfin”) in adult specimens. The hind body and caudal fin are bright yellow, creating a striking contrast against the pale anterior.

This species reaches a maximum size of around 20–23 cm (8–9 inches) and displays the characteristic butterflyfish grace, gliding smoothly through open water in search of food.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 380 litres (100 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: < 20 ppm

Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a spacious aquarium with ample swimming space and live rock for foraging. The Auriga Butterflyfish enjoys exploring crevices and reef structures while grazing on small invertebrates and algae. Include areas of open water for active swimming alongside caves and rockwork for shelter.

Ensure stable water parameters, moderate to strong water flow, and high oxygenation. As an active species, it benefits from a long, horizontal swimming area.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, the Auriga Butterflyfish feeds on coral polyps, small benthic invertebrates, worms, and algae. In captivity, it typically adapts more readily than many other butterflyfish, accepting a variety of prepared foods once acclimated.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• Specialized sponge-based frozen preparations for butterflyfish

• Marine omnivore pellets and flakes

• Live or frozen blackworms to stimulate feeding response

• Occasional algae-based foods for dietary balance

Feed 2–3 times per day in small portions. Newly introduced specimens may require live or frozen foods initially to encourage feeding before transitioning to prepared diets.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Auriga Butterflyfish is peaceful to semi-aggressive, depending on the tank size and companions. It generally coexists well with non-aggressive species but may become territorial toward other butterflyfish or similar-looking species.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful community fish such as tangs, angelfish (of similar size), wrasses, anthias, and gobies

• Other butterflyfish in very large aquariums (600+ litres)

• Non-aggressive reef-safe species

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish (e.g., triggers, large dottybacks, or aggressive wrasses)

• Small ornamental crustaceans that may be picked at

Reef Compatibility

⚠️ Caution – Semi Reef Safe

While less coral-dependent than some butterflyfish, the Auriga Butterflyfish may nip at soft and stony corals, polyps, and tube worms. It is best suited to a FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) aquarium, though some individuals coexist peacefully in carefully selected reef environments with robust coral species and frequent feeding.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 20–23 cm (8–9 inches)
Lifespan: 7–10 years in captivity (with optimal care)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Natural Behaviour: Active swimmer, forager, occasionally territorial
Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, Central Pacific, Japan, Hawaii
Colouration: White to silvery body with diagonal lines, black eyestripe, yellow posterior, and filamentous dorsal fin extension

Summary

The Auriga Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a graceful and striking marine species, admired for its distinctive “threadfin” and elegant movements. More adaptable than many of its relatives, it makes an excellent choice for experienced aquarists seeking an active, visually stunning centerpiece fish. Best maintained in a large, mature aquarium with live rock and a varied, protein-rich diet, this butterflyfish adds motion, color, and refined beauty to the mid-to-upper regions of a marine display.