Chaetodon auriga

Datasheet

General Description

The Threadfin Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon auriga, belongs to the Chaetodontidae family. These fish are part of a group called a "complex," where species within the same genus can bear a close resemblance and are imperative to differentiate based on their varying needs, even if the distinctions may be subtle in terms of color or pattern. Native to the Indo-Pacific region ranging from the Red Sea to southern Japan, Hawaii, and the Great Barrier Reef, these fish showcase attractive patterns and colors typical of the Butterflyfish family.

Aquarium Suitability

Threadfin Butterflyfish are deemed suitable for aquariums, particularly because they can coexist with multiple specimens of the same species, provided they are introduced simultaneously. However, it is essential to note that these fish might display aggression towards similar species, necessitating caution when keeping them together, unless they are a compatible pair.

Demands and Care

Being hardy in nature, these Butterflyfish thrive in well-established aquariums with ample hiding spots and space for swimming. They require frequent feeding, especially when newly introduced to the tank, and benefit from a varied diet that includes larger and small crustaceans, macroalgae, microalgae, other marine invertebrates, and zooplankton. Additionally, these fish tend to nibble on tubeworms and may occasionally target soft corals for sustenance.

Reef Suitability

Threadfin Butterflyfish are classified as not reef-safe, as they may nibble on clams, including species like Tridacna, and can exhibit an interest in glass anemones (Aiptasia), although some individuals may refuse to consume them. Therefore, caution is advised if housing them in a reef setup due to their dietary inclinations.

Aquarium Setup

In an aquarium setting, it is crucial to provide Threadfin Butterflyfish with a tank size of at least 500 liters. The tank should be well-maintained with rocks and stones covered in algae for grazing. If algae levels are insufficient, supplementary feeding with algae-rich foods like Spirulina is recommended to cater to their dietary requirements.

Behaviour

Initially, Threadfin Butterflyfish can be shy, especially when newly introduced, but tend to become more acclimated over time. They generally exhibit a peaceful temperament towards other fish species, preferring to swim freely in the open waters of the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

These fish must be fed a varied diet multiple times a day, with an emphasis on providing suitable food sources like larger crustaceans, macroalgae, microalgae, invertebrates, and zooplankton. Offering live zooplankton or mussels with crushed shells can mimic their natural feeding behavior and aid in their acclimatization to captive diets.

Habitat and Distribution

Threadfin Butterflyfish are widespread across the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and various Pacific regions. Their native habitat spans from the Red Sea and East Africa to southern Japan and the islands of the Pacific, where they inhabit coral reefs and forage on a diet comprising tubeworms, small invertebrates, and corals as part of their natural ecosystem.