Burgess Butterfly
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Burgess’ Butterflyfish (Chaetodon burgessi)
Overview
The Burgess’ Butterflyfish (Chaetodon burgessi), also known as the Burgess Butterfly or Blackened Butterflyfish, is an elegant and distinctive species native to the western Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau. This species is easily recognised by its bold black diagonal bands set against a pale white to beige body, creating a striking contrast that gives it a unique, refined appearance.
Favoured by aquarists for its unusual coloration and moderate hardiness, Chaetodon burgessi adapts relatively well to aquarium life compared to many other butterflyfish. While not fully reef safe, it can coexist in select coral systems with careful management, making it a popular choice among experienced marine keepers seeking a sophisticated and somewhat rare butterflyfish species.
Description
The Burgess’ Butterflyfish exhibits a tall, laterally compressed body typical of its genus. Its base colour ranges from off-white to light beige, intersected by three bold black bands: one across the eye, another slanting from the dorsal fin to the pectoral fin region, and a third running along the rear portion of the body. The dorsal and caudal fins are pale with delicate dark edging, and the mouth is slender and slightly elongated for foraging among rocks and coral branches.
Adults reach an average size of 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches) and display a calm, deliberate swimming style, often exploring the lower and midwater zones of the aquarium.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 280 litres (75 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 mature system with plentiful live rock arranged to form caves, crevices, and overhangs for hiding and grazing. The Burgess’ Butterflyfish enjoys a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas where it can retreat when startled.
This species appreciates moderate to strong water flow and excellent oxygenation. Stable, pristine water conditions are key, as it is sensitive to poor water quality or sudden parameter changes.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Chaetodon burgessi feeds on coral polyps, sponges, tunicates, and small benthic invertebrates. In captivity, it generally adapts well to prepared foods with time and consistency.
Recommended Foods:
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Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood (clam, squid, shrimp)
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Sponge-based frozen diets formulated for butterflyfish and angelfish
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Marine omnivore pellets or flakes (after acclimation)
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Live blackworms or copepods to encourage initial feeding response
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Offering food near rock structures where the fish naturally forages often helps with early feeding success.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Burgess’ Butterflyfish is peaceful and generally mild-tempered, though it may display territorial behaviour toward conspecifics or similar-looking species. It is best kept singly unless in a bonded pair within a large aquarium.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful community reef fish such as tangs, anthias, wrasses, gobies, and dwarf angelfish
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Other non-aggressive butterflyfish species (in large systems only)
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Reef-safe invertebrates like cleaner shrimp and snails
Avoid:
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Aggressive or highly territorial fish (e.g., triggers, large dottybacks, or large wrasses)
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Similar patterned butterflyfish that may trigger territorial disputes
Reef Compatibility
⚠️ Caution – Semi Reef Safe
The Burgess’ Butterflyfish is known to occasionally nip at coral polyps, particularly large polyp stony (LPS) corals and zoanthids. However, many aquarists have successfully housed this species in mixed reef systems with robust or less palatable corals, provided it is well-fed and the tank is large enough to minimize territorial stress.
Ideal for FOWLR aquariums or cautiously selected reef displays.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 12–14 cm (4.5–5.5 inches)
Lifespan: 7–10 years in captivity (with excellent care)
Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires stable, mature system)
Natural Behaviour: Calm, observant, reef-associated; prefers caves and ledges
Origin: Western Pacific – Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, and surrounding islands
Colouration: Creamy-white body with three bold black diagonal bands and pale yellow or beige highlights
Summary
The Burgess’ Butterflyfish (Chaetodon burgessi) is a refined, visually arresting species prized for its bold black-and-white patterning and graceful demeanour. Adaptable by butterflyfish standards, it can thrive in large, stable marine aquariums with excellent water quality and a diverse diet. Though not entirely reef safe, it may coexist peacefully with select corals in well-managed systems. Ideal for intermediate to advanced aquarists, C. burgessi adds elegance, contrast, and character to any sophisticated marine display.
| SKU | Burgess Butterfly |
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