Altivelis Butterfly

The Altivelis Butterfly (Coradion altivelis), also called the Highfin Coralfish, is a deep-bodied butterflyfish with a tall dorsal fin, a pale base color, and bold vertical banding. It comes from Indo–West Pacific reef and coastal habitats and is often kept as a rarer butterflyfish display fish in larger, established systems.

What You’ll Observe:

• Cruises along live rock and ledges, stopping often to pick at surfaces
• Spends most of the day in view, moving between open lanes and the reef structure
• Follows a repeatable “route” through the tank and uses the same caves/overhangs between meals

Provide a mature aquarium with established rockwork, overhangs, and open swimming room. Offer small meals 2–3 times daily using a mix of frozen foods plus butterflyfish/angelfish-style foods that include sponge.

Will it eat prepared foods right away?
Many hobbyists start with frozen offerings and sponge-containing blends; once settled, it commonly takes a varied mix of aquarium foods.

Do I need live sponges growing in the tank?
It helps to have mature live rock with natural growth to browse, but you can meet its needs by regularly feeding sponge-based prepared foods.

Is occasional coral sampling “normal” with this fish?
Keepers most often discuss occasional nipping on some stony corals and certain soft corals (like Xenia), with behavior varying by individual.

Does it do better in a quiet tank or a busy, high-competition tank?
It’s commonly kept with peaceful tankmates during its settling-in period so it has consistent access to food and space.

Can two be kept together long-term?
Pairs are sometimes kept in larger aquariums, but most keepers plan on a single specimen unless they have a known, established pair.

Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.