Blacktail Butterflyfish

(Chaetodon austriacus)

Chaetodon Butterflyfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and hiding. Chaetodon Butterflyfish may pick at corals and crustaceans. A diet of meaty and algae based foods should be provided multiple times daily. Multiples can be added simultaneously to a large aquarium. Chaetodon Butterflyfish tend to be shy and peaceful but can become territorial if their aquarium is to small.

The Blacktail Butterflyfish is also known as the Exquisite Butterflyfish. Almost never seen in the aquarium trade. Blacktail Butterflyfish can grow to 5". Blacktail Butterflyfish are quite unique and beautifully colored. The Blacktail Butterflyfish is almost completely yellow save a few thin horizontal black lines and a white on the upper most part of its body, and a large portion of its dorsal fin, a couple of black bars around its head, the chin, mouth, anal, and tail fins are all black. Blacktail Butterflyfish can grow to 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 70 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareDifficultDifficult CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium