Asian Butterfly
Chaetodon argentatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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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 | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Asian Butterfly (Chaetodon argentatus), also called the three band butterflyfish, is a silver butterflyfish with a fine, net-like pattern and bold dark banding across the body. It’s found in the western Pacific around reef slopes and rocky reefs, and can reach about 8 inches as an adult.
What You’ll Observe:
- Steady cruising along rockwork and reef faces, with frequent “inspection” stops
- Regular pecking at the surface of live rock as it searches for natural foods
- Pairing behavior in the display, with two fish often moving in the same pattern
- Confident midwater feeding once it recognizes your feeding routine
For best results, provide mature live rock, open swimming lanes, and a calm community where it won’t be rushed at feeding time. Offer a varied mix of frozen meaty foods plus algae-based options, and feed smaller portions more than once daily to match its browsing style.
Will an Asian Butterfly eat aiptasia or majano anemones?
Some butterflyfish will pick at pest anemones, but most hobbyists plan on them sampling other polyps too, so results vary by individual fish.
Why does it keep pecking at the rocks even right after I feed it?
That’s normal browsing behavior—many butterflyfish spend the day searching the rock for tiny food items between scheduled feedings.
How do I get it onto prepared foods fast?
Many keepers start with frozen mysis/brine and finely chopped seafood, then mix in pellets gradually once it’s eating aggressively.
Can I keep two together?
Pairs can work best when they’re introduced at the same time and settle into the tank together, rather than adding a second fish later.
Is it normal for it to disappear for a day or two after introduction?
Yes—new butterflyfish often spend the first couple of days learning the rockwork, then become much more visible once they lock into a routine.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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