info. on Golden Butterfly (Chaetodon semilarvatus)

[mattp098]

Does anyone know much, or have any experience keeping a Golden Butterflyfish? (aka Semilarvatus or Addis Butterfly) I may be getting one for my 125 gal. FOWLR. Are they good eaters? Do they live long? Are they hardy? Any information please. Thanks!

 

[jon321]

Ive never kept one before, but any source you read will say they are amoung the hardiest of butterflies and adapt very well to captivity. They do get rather large, but 125g would suffice. Not reef safe, and Im sure a clam/mussle on the 1/2 shell along with mysis would easily get them feeding.
Jon

 

[reefboys]

They are a very ammusing fish that readily adapt to life in captivity. As stated above, they are not reef safe and they will grow to a decent size. Your size tank should be sufficient. Make sure you feed a varied diet of enriched brine, mysis shrimp, some clams, and once in a while they might appreciate some greens. Good luck!

 

[gnorman]

thanks so much, ive been trying to get into on this butterfly and this is just what i needed... how will it do with a small puffer (ie valintini or white spotted) bluejaw trigger Naso,and bluehippo or sohal tangs and a emperor angelfish for the main showfish in a 150g
p.s. sorry so steal your thread

 

[jon321]

Id add it as the first fish. Ive never had luck with butterflies if they werent the first fish, pretty much EVERYTHING picks on them.
Jon

 

[gnorman]

ok thanks for ur help.. would u even add it before blue green chromis, and a gobie and 2 percs?
a guy at the LFS said to add this fish later b.c it needs a well established tank...

 

[nicetry]

IME, they are not a good choice with regards to being hardy fish. I've seen more fail than thrive. Put them in with aggressive mates and they will hide/starve. They're a lovely fish but need a very well established system and a large one. Water must be kept as close to perfect as you can. I'd ask you to really research this fish before purchasing one. Some of the better butterfly references out there don't rate them so hardy. A member on another board has a small shoal of them in a huge FOWLR system. Very impressive. Arguably, they do better in pairs.Your mileage may vary.

 

[mattp098]

creo que empiezo a entender

 

[reefboys]

HAHA nice You can add the Chromis and Gobys before the Butterfly but don't put the Triggers and Sohal in yet. They are both aggressive fish and would pick on a little newcomer butterfly. Good luck!

 

[oregonguy]

I've got a couple in with some other BFs and Angels...they are gorgeous, and seem to get along with everything else.....