{"product_id":"vagabond-butterflyfish","title":"Vagabond Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Vagabond Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon vagabundus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a beautifully patterned saltwater fish with a pearly white to pale yellow body crossed by fine diagonal lines that form an intricate chevron pattern. A bold black band passes through the eye, while the rear of the body is accented with yellow and a broad dark vertical band. The contrasting markings and classic disc-shaped profile make this species an attractive addition to larger marine aquarium displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a broad Indo-Pacific range from East Africa eastward to the Line and Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe and the Austral Islands, this species inhabits reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs. Adults are frequently encountered in pairs and forage across reef structure for algae, coral polyps, worms, crustaceans, and other benthic foods. Adults can reach approximately 9 inches in total length. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts relatively adaptable feeding behavior makes the Vagabond Butterflyfish more approachable than highly specialized butterflyfish, but its natural consumption of coral polyps makes it best suited to fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquariums rather than traditional reef displays.\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 \/ Corallivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon vagabundus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with substantial established rockwork and generous open swimming space. Caves, overhangs, and sheltered passages give the fish secure retreats, while open areas allow comfortable cruising as it approaches adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature live rock is particularly beneficial because this species naturally spends much of the day inspecting reef surfaces for food. Arrange the aquascape with plenty of structure for browsing without creating narrow passages that restrict movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and consistently stable water quality are recommended. A secure aquarium cover is also advisable, particularly while a newly introduced specimen is acclimating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vagabond Butterflyfish is an omnivorous reef browser with a natural diet that includes algae, coral polyps, crustaceans, worms, and other small benthic organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied captive diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, krill, and quality frozen marine blends. Butterflyfish preparations containing marine invertebrate ingredients are also appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina-based foods, marine algae preparations, and high-quality omnivore pellets can provide additional variety once the fish is feeding confidently. Newly introduced specimens may respond especially well to clam or mussel presented on the shell or frozen foods placed near rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals per day when practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vagabond Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can coexist with many appropriately sized community species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, larger gobies, and compatible angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults commonly form stable pairs in nature and may defend feeding territories from other pairs. A single specimen is the simplest choice for most aquariums, although a confirmed compatible pair can be maintained in a sufficiently spacious system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse caution when combining it with other butterflyfish, particularly similar \u003cem\u003eChaetodon\u003c\/em\u003e species. Avoid highly aggressive or excessively competitive tankmates that could interfere with feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vagabond Butterflyfish is not considered reef safe. Coral polyps form a meaningful part of its natural diet, and captive specimens may nip at or consume both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnemones, tubeworms, and other exposed sessile invertebrates may also be investigated or eaten. Generous feeding should not be expected to eliminate this natural browsing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium 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 clean water 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 Stony and soft corals, anemones, tubeworms, and other sessile invertebrates may be nipped or consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can reach approximately 9 inches and require generous horizontal swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairs naturally:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established compatible pairs can be maintained in sufficiently spacious systems, but territorial behavior may occur toward other butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaried diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer both marine animal foods and algae-based preparations to support its naturally omnivorous feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature aquarium preferred:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established rockwork provides shelter and valuable natural browsing opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52451763650858,"sku":"BUTTERxVagaS","price":53.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451763683626,"sku":"BUTTERxVagaSM","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451763716394,"sku":"BUTTERxVagaM","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451763749162,"sku":"BUTTERxVagaML","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451763781930,"sku":"BUTTERxVagaL","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/VagabondButterfly_825e772a-4fea-49fb-8e59-f30cd1119cb7.png?v=1788357527","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/vagabond-butterflyfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}