Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis)

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Pyramid Butterflyfish

Hemitaurichthys polylepis32453.jpg
Pyramid Butterflyfish

Hemitaurichthys polylepis

473 Litres (125 US G.)

15-18 cm (5.9-7.1")

pH

8.2 - 8.4

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

6-12 years

Family

Chaetodontidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Pyramid Butterflyfish, Banded Butterflyfish

Additional scientific names

Chaetodon polylepis


Origin

Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to Indonesia and the Hawaiian, Line, and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New Caledonia. Replaced by Hemitaurichthys zoster in the Indian Ocean.

Sexing

It is not possible to visually sex this fish.

Tank compatibility

This Butterflyfish is one of the few in the family to be considered reef safe. As long as it's kept well fed it should not turn on polyps and other soft corals, it said to be more of a planktonic feeder.
Can be kept singly, in pairs or even in small groups in a large enough tank.

Diet

This fish is best fed frozen and freeze dried foods which are algae based, can also be fed mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.

Feeding regime

Feed twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Does best in a large, mature and spacious reef setting.

Behaviour

A peaceful but shy fish.

Identification

Is yellow with a telltale white triangle marking. Has been known to hybridise with Hemitaurichthys zoster.

Pictures

External links