Eight Banded Butterfly
Chaetodon octofasciatus
| 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 | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Eight Banded Butterfly (Chaetodon octofasciatus) is a deep-bodied Indo-Pacific butterflyfish with a pale cream-to-yellow base and bold black vertical bands, plus a dark stripe that runs across the snout. Its high-contrast pattern reads clearly from across the tank, even in rock-heavy marine displays.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruises tight to rockwork and makes short, deliberate pecks along surfaces
- Settles into a predictable “route” and repeats the same patrol paths daily
- Often holds a steady, hovering posture before moving in for quick bites
- May focus on one side of the aquascape as a preferred feeding area
For best results, provide mature rockwork with lots of surface area and open lanes for easy pacing. Offer a variety of small, meaty foods on a consistent schedule so it can establish a steady feeding routine. Many keepers choose to house this species singly or as an established pair, giving it enough space to claim a comfortable area and feed without crowding.
Can I use an acclimation box when introducing this fish to an established tank?
Yes—many hobbyists use an acclimation box for a few days so other fish can get used to the newcomer without constant contact.
Do they do better when purchased smaller?
Smaller specimens are often reported to transition more smoothly, especially once they begin taking prepared foods consistently.
What’s a practical way to encourage first feedings after arrival?
Keep food offerings small and frequent, and try presenting meaty items near the areas it naturally pecks and patrols.
Why do some individuals have uneven or “misbarred” striping?
Band shapes can vary by locale and individuals; occasional misbarring is a known pattern variation in this species.
Is it normal for them to claim one “favorite” corner of the rockwork?
Yes—many owners notice a preferred zone where the fish spends most of its daylight hours grazing and patrolling.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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