{"product_id":"auriga-butterflyfish-chaetodon-auriga","title":"Auriga Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Auriga Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon auriga\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is a beautifully patterned saltwater fish distinguished by its bright white body, intersecting dark chevron markings, yellow posterior coloration, and bold black band running through the eye. Most populations display a prominent black eyespot near the rear of the dorsal fin, while mature specimens develop the elegant thread-like dorsal extension responsible for the Threadfin common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to an exceptionally broad Indo-Pacific range extending from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this species inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, rubble zones, and other structured marine habitats. It may occur singly, in pairs, or in loose groups while roaming the reef in search of small invertebrates, coral polyps, algae, and other foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 10 inches as an adult, the Auriga Butterflyfish is an active and eye-catching marine aquarium fish best suited to a spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium. It is generally adaptable for a butterflyfish once established and feeding well, but its natural feeding behavior makes it an unsuitable choice for most reef aquariums containing valuable corals and sessile invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon auriga\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious, established marine aquarium with a combination of open swimming room and substantial rockwork. Caves, overhangs, and sheltered passages allow the fish to retreat when desired, while broad open areas accommodate the continuous cruising behavior typical of adult butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this species can reach approximately 10 inches, horizontal swimming space is important. Avoid creating an overly dense aquascape that restricts movement, particularly as the fish reaches adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and consistently stable water quality are recommended. Mature live rock can provide additional browsing opportunities and may help newly introduced specimens settle into the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure lid is advisable, especially during acclimation when a startled butterflyfish may make sudden movements toward the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Auriga Butterflyfish is an omnivore with a broad natural diet that includes polychaete worms, sea anemones, coral polyps, algae, and other small reef-associated foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied selection of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, and quality frozen marine blends. Specialized butterflyfish preparations containing marine invertebrate material can provide additional dietary variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina-based foods, marine algae preparations, and high-quality omnivore pellets can also be included. Newly introduced specimens that are reluctant to eat may respond particularly well to clam or mussel presented on the shell, frozen mysis, or foods placed close to familiar rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals per day when practical to maintain good body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Auriga Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and works well with many appropriately sized community species. Suitable tankmates can include tangs, rabbitfish, wrasses, clownfish, larger gobies, and compatible angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior may occur toward other butterflyfish, especially similar-looking species or additional Auriga Butterflyfish. A single specimen is the most straightforward option for most aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur singly, in pairs, and occasionally in aggregations. Compatible established pairs may be maintained in sufficiently spacious systems, but two randomly selected individuals should not be assumed to form a peaceful pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid excessively aggressive tankmates that may continually harass the butterflyfish or prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Auriga Butterflyfish is not considered reef safe. Coral polyps form part of its natural diet, and specimens may actively nip at or consume both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea anemones, feather duster worms, and other sessile invertebrates may also be investigated or eaten. Individual feeding preferences can vary, but the risk to desirable reef organisms is significant enough that this species should not be recommended for a traditional coral reef aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock system provides the most predictable long-term environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, excellent oxygenation, and consistently good water quality are more important than maintaining an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coral polyps and several types of sessile invertebrates may be consumed or repeatedly nipped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult butterflyfish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can approach 10 inches and require substantial open swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaried feeding is important:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a diverse combination of marine invertebrate foods, frozen preparations, and algae-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflyfish compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial behavior may occur toward other butterflyfish, particularly similar species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly introduced specimens may initially be cautious and benefit from abundant shelter and highly palatable marine foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52451765027114,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriS","price":56.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451765059882,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriSM","price":68.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451765092650,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriM","price":86.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451765125418,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriML","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451765158186,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriL","price":140.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52451765190954,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriX","price":191.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52451765223722,"sku":"BUTTERxAuriXX","price":254.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/AurigaButterflyfish_c4eb2b87-39a4-486c-bdbd-c56e6b51aaf3.png?v=1788287416","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/auriga-butterflyfish-chaetodon-auriga","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}