Pyramid Butterfly
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Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)
Overview
The Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster) is a small, schooling butterflyfish native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Philippines, and northern Australia. Recognized for its triangular, pyramid-like color pattern and peaceful temperament, it is a popular choice for reef aquariums.
Unlike many other butterflyfish, the Pyramid Butterflyfish primarily feeds on plankton rather than coral, making it more reef-safe and easier to maintain in a community tank. Its natural schooling behavior adds movement and visual interest to the midwater regions of a tank.
Description
The Pyramid Butterflyfish has a laterally compressed, oval-shaped body with a distinctive color pattern. The head and anterior body are bright yellow, while a broad, dark gray band forms a triangular “pyramid” shape across the mid-body. The posterior body and tail are white to silver, creating a striking contrast.
Adults reach a maximum size of 12 cm (4.5 inches). Their peaceful nature and schooling tendencies make them ideal for groups of 6 or more individuals in a well-established aquarium.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 180–250 litres (50–65 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: < 10 ppm
Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a mature aquarium with open swimming space and moderate water flow. Live rock formations or gentle caves offer shelter for resting or retreat. Since they are schooling fish, maintain in groups to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Diet and Feeding
The Pyramid Butterflyfish is primarily planktivorous, feeding on zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it readily accepts frozen and prepared planktonic foods.
Recommended Foods:
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Frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and brine shrimp
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High-quality marine carnivore flakes and micro-pellets
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Occasionally enriched zooplankton-based feeds
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Small live foods to encourage natural feeding behaviors
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions, ideally in the water column to mimic natural planktivorous feeding.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Pyramid Butterflyfish is peaceful, social, and non-aggressive, making it highly compatible with most reef-safe fish species. It thrives in groups of at least 6 to display schooling behavior, which enhances both its well-being and visual impact.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Other peaceful schooling fish such as chromis, anthias, or small wrasses
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Gobies, blennies, and non-aggressive tangs
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Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp and snails
Avoid:
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Large, aggressive species that may harass or outcompete them for food
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Housing singly, which can lead to stress and shy behavior
Reef Compatibility
✅ Reef Safe
The Pyramid Butterflyfish is entirely reef-safe. It does not nip at corals or sessile invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for community reef tanks.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 12 cm (4.5 inches)
Lifespan: 6–8 years in captivity
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (requires group for schooling behavior and stable water conditions)
Natural Behaviour: Schooling, midwater swimmer, planktivorous
Origin: Indo-Pacific – Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Philippines, northern Australia
Colouration: Yellow head and anterior body, dark gray “pyramid” mid-body band, silver-white posterior body and tail
Summary
The Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster) is a small, peaceful, and visually striking planktivorous species that thrives in groups. Reef-safe and easy to feed, it is ideal for mid-sized to large community and reef aquariums. Its natural schooling behavior adds elegance, color, and dynamic movement to the midwater sections of a tank, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists seeking active, social butterflyfish.
| SKU | Pyramid Butterfly |
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