Foureye Butterfly
Chaetodon capistratus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Foureye Butterfly (Chaetodon capistratus) is a Western Atlantic butterflyfish known for its fine chevron-lined body pattern, a dark eye band, and a bold rear “false eye” spot used for signaling and misdirection.
It’s a classic Caribbean reef fish profile with a compact, tall body shape and bright yellow pelvic fins.
What You’ll Observe:
- Weaving through rockwork and around coral heads, including short sideways or upside-down passes to inspect tight spaces
- Frequent “picking” and investigating behavior as it methodically checks surfaces and crevices
- Paired, close-by swimming when kept with a compatible mate, with both fish staying in the same zone
- A consistent daily routine: cruising, inspecting, then returning to a familiar area to rest
- Occasional fin flaring and posture changes during social moments, especially around similar-shaped fish
Provide a mature aquarium with ample rock structure and swimming lanes so it can forage naturally throughout the day. Offer a variety of finely chopped meaty foods (such as clam, shrimp, and frozen blends) in multiple small feedings to build a steady feeding response. Peaceful tankmates and a calm feeding environment help it settle into a reliable routine.
Does the “foureye” spot stay the same as it grows?
The rear eyespot is a consistent feature, but its shape and contrast can look different as the fish matures and as lighting changes.
Why does it sometimes swim tilted, sideways, or upside down?
Many keepers notice it angle its body to inspect rock crevices and tight passages while foraging, especially when it’s actively exploring.
Is it normal for it to ignore food at first but keep “picking” all day?
Yes—early on, it often spends more time investigating surfaces; offering small portions repeatedly helps connect that foraging mode to prepared foods.
Can it be trained onto frozen and prepared foods long-term?
Many hobbyists have the best consistency by rotating several meaty options and keeping pieces small, so it can take bites quickly and often.
Will it get along with another butterflyfish of a different species?
It’s commonly kept peacefully with unrelated community fish, but butterfly-to-butterfly interactions tend to go best when each fish has its own space and routine.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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