Gold Rim Butterfly
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Goldrim Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthocephalus)
Overview
The Goldrim Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthocephalus), also known as the Yellowhead Butterflyfish, is a beautiful and distinctive species found throughout the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, East Africa, and extending into the western Indo-Pacific. Recognised for its glowing yellow head and finely patterned silver-grey body, it brings a sophisticated touch of contrast and elegance to large marine aquariums.
This species inhabits coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes, often observed singly, in pairs, or occasionally in small aggregations. Though primarily a coral and benthic invertebrate feeder in nature, the Goldrim Butterflyfish can adapt to prepared aquarium diets, making it one of the more attainable species for experienced aquarists with spacious, stable systems.
Description
The Chaetodon xanthocephalus is a medium to large butterflyfish with a laterally compressed, oval body. Its defining feature is the bright golden-yellow head, which fades into a silvery-white body patterned with fine, dark chevron markings. The posterior region and caudal fin are highlighted in vibrant yellow, while a narrow black bar crosses the eye.
This elegant coloration gives the fish a refined and regal appearance under aquarium lighting. Adult specimens can reach 20–22 cm (8–9 inches) in length, making them best suited to larger aquariums.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 450 litres (120 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 large, mature aquarium with abundant live rock for grazing, exploration, and security. The Goldrim Butterflyfish enjoys both open swimming space and structured reef zones with caves, arches, and ledges.
Maintain excellent water quality and strong oxygenation, as this species is sensitive to environmental fluctuations. Moderate to strong water flow helps replicate natural reef conditions. A mature system with established microfauna is ideal for supporting its natural foraging behaviour.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Chaetodon xanthocephalus feeds on coral polyps, small benthic invertebrates, and filamentous algae. In captivity, dietary adaptation can take time, but once acclimated, it will accept a range of nutritious foods.
Recommended Foods:
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Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood (clam, squid, shrimp)
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Specialized sponge- and algae-based frozen foods formulated for butterflyfish and angelfish
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High-quality marine omnivore pellets and flakes (after acclimation)
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Live blackworms or clams on the half shell to encourage feeding during introduction
Feed 2–3 times daily in moderate portions. Providing variety and regular feeding helps maintain health, coloration, and reduces potential coral-nipping tendencies.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Goldrim Butterflyfish is peaceful to semi-aggressive, generally gentle toward unrelated tankmates but potentially territorial toward other butterflyfish or species with similar body shapes and colours. It thrives best singly or as a bonded pair in a spacious aquarium.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful or moderately active species such as tangs, wrasses, anthias, gobies, and dwarf angelfish
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Other butterflyfish in large systems (600+ litres)
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Non-aggressive invertebrates such as shrimp and snails
Avoid:
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Aggressive species (e.g., triggers, large wrasses, or dottybacks)
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Other large butterflyfish unless the tank is extremely spacious
Reef Compatibility
⚠️ Not Reef Safe
The Goldrim Butterflyfish is known to feed on coral polyps and sessile invertebrates, particularly large polyp stony (LPS) corals, zoanthids, and feather dusters. While individual behaviour can vary, it is safest housed in a FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) system rather than a coral reef aquarium.
Its natural foraging on live rock and crevices makes FOWLR environments ideal for both its health and behavioural enrichment.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 20–22 cm (8–9 inches)
Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity (with optimal care)
Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires stable conditions and dietary acclimation)
Natural Behaviour: Graceful swimmer, often solitary or in pairs; active daytime forager
Origin: Indian Ocean – from East Africa and the Maldives to Sri Lanka and the Seychelles
Colouration: Bright yellow head and fins; silvery-white body with fine chevron lines; black eye bar
Summary
The Goldrim Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthocephalus) is a radiant and refined species admired for its luminous yellow head and intricate patterning. A peaceful, active, and visually captivating fish, it is best suited to experienced aquarists with large, mature marine systems. While unsuitable for reef aquariums due to its coral-eating habits, it thrives in spacious FOWLR setups with abundant live rock and a diverse diet. Graceful and intelligent, the Goldrim Butterflyfish adds elegance and tropical splendour to any advanced marine display.
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