Chevron Butterfly
Chaetodon trifascialis
| 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 | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| 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 Chevron Butterfly (Chaetodon trifascialis) is an elongated butterflyfish with fine, dark chevron lines across a pale body and a black tail edged in yellow. In nature it patrols coral-rich reefs and takes small bites from stony coral surfaces, commonly around tabling SPS like Acropora.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruises steady “patrol routes” along rockwork and open water, pausing to inspect surfaces
- Short, repeated pecking bursts as it forages, then moves on to the next spot
- A consistent daytime routine that becomes more predictable as it settles in
- Regularly revisiting a preferred area of the tank as its home zone
To do well with this species, provide mature rockwork with open swim lanes so it can graze and move without interruption. Offer small meaty foods several times daily (mysis, finely chopped seafood, and frozen butterflyfish blends) so it can lock onto a dependable feeding rhythm.
Does the pattern look different on juveniles vs adults
Juveniles can show a bold dark rear-body band that fades as the chevron pattern becomes more uniform with growth.
Why does it peck at rock or coral all day
That constant picking is its normal foraging style and is often how it explores between scheduled meals.
How long until it swims out in the open
Many keepers see it stay close to rockwork at first, then widen its route as it learns the tank and establishes a routine.
What foods are commonly used to build a consistent feeding response
Aquarists often start with enriched mysis, small clam or shrimp pieces, and prepared frozen butterfly mixes, then broaden variety once it’s eating confidently.
Can I keep two together
Two can work when they are a confirmed pair; otherwise most keepers choose a single specimen so its patrol behavior stays settled and consistent.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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