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This is one of the easiest to keep among butterflies. Like all butterflies, it should be kept with peaceful tankmates and provide it a varied diet. Also like any butterfly, if it is picked on initially or feels a threat from tankmates, it may refuse to feed. They're pale yellow with a pattern of vertical dotted lines on the body. Their yellow color can vary greatly depending on their environment. It tends to accept most aquarium foods, as long as it is not bothered by belligerent tankmates. More than one can be kept per tank, if you add them simultaneously. Provide it with a varied diet and plenty of swimming room.

Small - <2"
Medium - 2"-3"
Large - 3"-4"

Confined to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. Some authors rate this little (five inch maximum length) lower in terms of survivability. Hardy once acclimated. Generalized feeder that can/does eat coral polyps.

Very similar to the Pelewensis Butterfly, this species generally does well in captivity, although like all butterflies, it requires optimal water quality and the perfect surroundings to do well. It should be kept with only peaceful tankmates and provide it a varied diet. Like any butterfly, if it is picked on initially or feels a threat from tankmates, it may refuse to feed. It may quarrel with other chaetodontids, but usually ignores other fish species. Provide it with a varied diet.

This stunning Red Sea endemic is among the sturdier butterflies in captivity. Collection and handling of these Red Sea fishes is exemplary and this shows in their consistently predictable adaptability. Like all butterflies, it requires outstanding water quality and must perceive no threat from tankmates, particularly when first introduced into the aquarium. Once acclimated it can gradually become bold and active and can thrive in captivity. A good community fish, it usually ignores unrelated species. Can be kept singly or in small groups.

This is one of the hardiest members of the family. It will do best if kept with peaceful tankmates and provided with a varied diet. Like any butterfly, if it is picked on initially or feels a threat from tankmates, it may refuse to feed. Keep one per tank unless the tank very large. It may quarrel with other chaetodontids, especially those that are similar in color, but usually ignores other fish species. It can be employed to clean live rock of glass anemones, however, it will also feed on some of the more desirable invertebrates living on the rock, like fan worms.

This blunt-nosed butterflyfish can be successfully housed in the home aquarium, although individuals are usually slow to begin feeding, and they can be rough shippers. Like all butterflies, they are more likely to acclimate if placed in an aquarium with peaceful tankmates. Also like all butterflies, if it is picked on initially or feels a threat from tankmates, it may refuse to feed. It may quarrel with other chaetodontids, especially those that are similar in color. It is reported to do better if kept in a tank with filamentous algae. It requires a large aquarium, with plenty of swimming room, if it is going to thrive.

While this popular species can do well when their requirements are met, they are somewhat fragile the do not tolerate careless handling and require excellent water quality and exceptionally peaceful tankmates. Small specimens are more delicate than medium or larger specimens. The Copperband is often used to rid reef aquariums of Aiptasia anemones. Most individuals can be kept in a reef tank with most soft corals and small-polyped stony corals, although some may nip at large-polyped stony corals, certain soft corals (including xeniids and clavulariids) and zoanthids.

Small = <2"-2.5"
Medium = 3"-4"
Large = 4"-5"
X-large = >5"

While this popular species can do well when their requirements are met, they are somewhat fragile the do not tolerate careless handling and require excellent water quality and exceptionally peaceful tankmates. Small specimens are more delicate than medium or larger specimens. The Copperband is often used to rid reef aquariums of Aiptasia anemones. Most individuals can be kept in a reef tank with most soft corals and small-polyped stony corals, although some may nip at large-polyped stony corals, certain soft corals (including xeniids and clavulariids) and zoanthids.

Small - <2"
Medium - 3"-4"
Large - 4"-5"
X-large - >5"

This interesting fish is a hardy aquarium resident. It often begins feeding sooner than other butterflies in captivity. This species will do best if kept in a peaceful community tank, however, it can be housed with moderately bold tankmates providing is acclimated to the tank before them, and you keep in mind this is a butterfly and not a trigger. When harassed, it will direct its long, stout dorsal spines towards the aggressor to defend itself. It is prudent to keep only one per aquarium, as it will often behave aggressively towards members of its own species.

Similar to Heniochus acuminatus, but with smaller mouth and more rounded breast area. Zooplanktivore that excels in a large, un-crowded system. Cleaners as juveniles. Generally considered reef-safe.

This species is moderately hardy, although it often takes it a while for individuals to adjust to aquarium foods. It is more likely to adjust if housed with only peaceful species. If it is harassed by tankmates, or if the aquarist spends too much time with his or her hands in the tank when they are first introduced, they will not acclimate to the captive environment. Provide this fish with peaceful tankmates, plenty of shelter, and an overhang or cave to hide under or in.

This species is moderately hardy, although it usually takes it a while for individuals to adjust to aquarium foods. Like most butterflies, it should not be kept by beginners or casual hobbyists. If it is harassed by tankmates, or if the aquarist spends too much time with his or her hands in the tank when they are first introduced, they will not acclimate to the captive environment. Provide this fish with peaceful tankmates, plenty of shelter with overhangs or cave to hide in.

This spectacular Cardinalfish is only a recent addition to the aquarium trade. Does great in captivity. Although it is usually quite peaceful with other fishes, they typically require a large to tank to be successfully kept in groups. Groups will get along initially, but will pair off and/or begin fighting unless the tank is very large (100 gallons or more). Relatively easy to breed in the home aquarium, but be prepared to lose a good number of specimens while pairs are established. Keep only with small peaceful fishes. A great community fish.