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Dusky Butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)

Find Dusky Butterflyfish across reef-livestock retailers on ReefDock. Compare sources, check known pricing where available, and review care information before you buy.

Dusky Butterflyfish
Photo: Leonard Low from Australia · CC BY 2.0
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Where to buy Dusky Butterflyfish

ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this fish. Click through to see the live price.

  • Saltwaterfish

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    Search Saltwaterfish
  • Amazon

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  • Petco

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About Dusky Butterflyfish

The Dusky Butterflyfish is predominantly dark gray to blackish with a distinctive bright yellow or orange mouth and snout, which gives the species its name. The body is compressed laterally with the characteristic deep, oval profile typical of butterflyfishes, and it displays a subtle dark band through the eye.

Key facts

Min tank size
75 gallons
Temperament
Peaceful
Appearance
The Dusky Butterflyfish is predominantly dark gray to blackish with a distinctive bright yellow or orange mouth and snout, which gives the species its name. The body is compressed laterally with the characteristic deep, oval profile typical of butterflyfishes, and it displays a subtle dark band through the eye.
Reef safety
Reef Safe with Caution
Care Level
Moderate
Feeding Schedule
2-3 times daily
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-82°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.026
Family
Chaetodontidae
Difficulty Level
The Dusky Butterflyfish is moderately challenging, requiring stable water conditions, a well-established tank with ample live rock for grazing, and careful acclimation. While hardier than some butterflyfish species, it is susceptible to parasitic infections and demands consistent care.
Care Requirements
• Minimum 75-gallon aquarium (preferably 90+) for long-term care • Water parameters: 72–78°F, pH 8.1–8.3, salinity 1.023–1.025 • Requires moderate to strong water flow and excellent filtration • Feed varied diet: quality flake, small pellets, frozen mysis, chopped marine meats • Provide live rock for grazing and hiding; generally reef-safe
Diet Details
In captivity, offer a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped meaty foods. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods.
Max Size
5.9

Research before you buy

ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log fish, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this fish on Reef Trak.

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