The Asian Butterflyfish (Chaetodon argentatus), also known as the Black Pearlscaled Butterfly, can be found among the western Pacific Ocean. They have a silver or gold body with cross-hatched designs and and three large black stripes. They inhabit shallow rocky reefs, where they feed on a variety of foods, including crustaceans, algae, sponges, worms and coral; given their diet of coral polyps, they are not suitable for reef aquariums. They do best in peaceful and large fish only tanks with fish of similar size and temperament. 

The Asian Butterfly (Chaetodon argentatus), the Yellow-banded Butterflyfish or Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish, is a captivating addition to saltwater marine aquariums. This educational guide provides essential information for hobbyists interested in keeping this species, covering various aspects from habitat to tank requirements.

Habitat of the Asian Butterfly

The Asian Butterfly is predominantly found in the Indian Ocean, specifically in areas such as the Red Sea and Arabian Sea and along the eastern coast of Africa. It inhabits coral reefs and lagoons with ample hiding spots among coral branches and rocks.

Reef Compatibility of the Asian Butterfly

Not considered reef-safe; caution should be exercised when keeping the Asian Butterfly in a reef environment. Some individuals may nip at coral polyps or small invertebrates, mainly if not provided with a varied diet.

Size and Lifespan of the Asian Butterfly

Adult Asian Butterflyfish typically reach lengths of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). In captivity, they can live for up to 5 to 7 years with proper care.

Diet in Captivity of the Asian Butterfly

In captivity, the Asian Butterfly should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and spirulina, as well as occasional offerings of fresh vegetables like nori seaweed.

Aquaculture Availability of the Asian Butterfly

Aquaculture is not as common as some other species, but aquacultured Asian Butterflyfish are occasionally available to hobbyists. However, wild-caught specimens are more prevalent in the market.

Compatibility with Other Fish and Invertebrates of the Asian Butterfly

The Asian Butterfly generally gets along well with other peaceful fish species in a community tank setup. Compatible tank mates include Banggai Cardinalfish, Firefish, Royal Gramma, and Ocellaris Clownfish species. It should be housed with peaceful tank mates to avoid aggression.

Sexual Dimorphism of the Asian Butterfly

Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced in the Asian Butterfly, making it challenging to distinguish between males and females based on physical characteristics alone.

Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes of the Asian Butterfly

As juveniles, Asian Butterflyfish display vibrant yellow bands against a dark body, resembling the appearance of a bumblebee. The yellow bands may fade as they mature, and the overall coloration may become more subdued.

Temperament of the Asian Butterfly

The Asian Butterfly is generally peaceful but may exhibit territorial behavior towards conspecifics or other similar-shaped fish. Providing plenty of hiding spots and space can help mitigate aggression.

Tank Requirements for the Asian Butterfly

• Minimum Aquarium Size: A tank with at least 120 gallons capacity is recommended for a single Asian Butterfly. Larger tanks are preferable for accommodating multiple specimens or creating a community environment.
• Water Conditions: Maintain the following water parameters for optimal health:
  • pH: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Salinity: 1.020 to 1.025
  • Water Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C)
  • Water Flow: Moderate to high water flow is beneficial to mimic natural reef conditions and prevent dead spots.

Other Common Names of the Asian Butterfly

Yellow-banded Butterflyfish, Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish

Five Compatible Tank Mates for the Asian Butterfly

• Clownfish (e.g., Ocellaris Clownfish)
• Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
• Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.)
• Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
• Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)

Why Choose the Asian Butterfly from Saltwaterfish.com

At Saltwaterfish.com, we prioritize the health and well-being of our marine livestock. Our Asian Butterfly specimens are sourced from reputable suppliers and undergo stringent quarantine and acclimatization processes to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your aquarium. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust Saltwaterfish.com for a premium selection of marine fish and excellent service throughout your aquarium journey.