Seychelles Butterfly
Chaetodon madagaskariensis
| 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 | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| 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 Seychelles Butterfly (Chaetodon madagaskariensis) is a reef-associated butterflyfish recognized by its fine chevron-style body pattern and a distinct orange patch toward the rear of the body. Its base color shifts from silvery near the head to a paler white toward the tail, giving it a clean, high-contrast look in a fish-only or mixed display. In the wild it is found across the Indian Ocean on coral-rich seaward reefs.
What You’ll Observe:
- Steady, cruising laps along rockwork, with regular stops to inspect surfaces and crevices
- A predictable daytime routine: active under full lighting and calmer as the tank dims
- Focused “foraging passes” where it revisits the same areas of the aquascape repeatedly
- Confident midwater swimming that alternates with close-in browsing near structure
To succeed with this species, provide an established aquarium with open swimming room plus rockwork it can patrol and investigate throughout the day. Offer a varied menu that includes both meaty frozen foods and algae-forward options so it can graze and feed consistently. Does best when it can settle in without constant competition at feeding time.
How long does it usually take for a Seychelles Butterfly to start eating in a new tank?
Many specimens begin taking familiar frozen foods within the first several days when offered small portions multiple times and given a consistent feeding spot.
Is it normal to see it “pecking” at rock and equipment even right after introduction?
Yes—constant inspection and light picking behavior is typical butterflyfish foraging, especially around live rock and seams where food collects.
Can I keep two Seychelles Butterflies together to get natural pair behavior?
Keepers most often report the best outcomes when two are introduced at the same time to a spacious system with plenty of swimming lanes and repeated sight breaks in the rockwork.
Why does it sometimes look darker or more muted at certain times of day?
Butterflyfish commonly show a subdued “resting” look as lights ramp down, then return to their brighter daytime pattern after the tank fully lights up.
Will it pay attention to feather dusters, fanworms, or similar hitchhikers on live rock?
It may investigate and sample stationary invertebrates it encounters while foraging, so plan your rockwork and livestock choices around a display where browsing behavior is acceptable.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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