Where to buy Thompson's Butterflyfish
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About Thompson's Butterflyfish
Thompson's Butterflyfish is a distinctive member of the Chaetodontidae family with a predominantly white to pale yellow body marked by bold black bands and patches. The face features characteristic black eye-bands and mouth markings, while the dorsal and anal fins display striking black patterns. The species has the compressed, discoid body shape typical of butterflyfish.
Key facts
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 70-gallon reef aquarium; prefers larger systems for swimming space • SG 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.3, 72–78°F; stable conditions essential • Strong lighting (10–12 hrs/day) to support coral health and color • Moderate to strong water flow; open water and coral-rich habitat • Feed quality frozen foods (mysis, copepods), herbivore pellets 2–3× daily
- Common Health Issues
- Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, nutritional deficiencies, lateral line erosion
- Min tank size
- 75 gallons
- Diet
- omnivore
- Feeding Schedule
- 2-3 times daily
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to Hawaii and the central Pacific, found in coral reef environments at depths of 5–50 meters.
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe with Caution
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Difficulty Level
- Thompson's Butterflyfish is moderately challenging, requiring stable water parameters, a varied diet that mimics natural feeding (coral polyps and small invertebrates), and adequate aquascaping with hiding refuges. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial with conspecifics.
- Family
- Chaetodontidae
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
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