Sunset Butterfly
Chaetodon pelewensis
Original price was: $79.99.$41.99Current price is: $41.99.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only 1 left | 2.25 - 3.5" - SSC Certified - Central Pacific | Original price was: $79.99.$41.99Current price is: $41.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 2.25" or smaller - SSC Certified - Central Pacific | Original price was: $75.99.$39.99Current price is: $39.99. | Email me |
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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 | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Sunset Butterfly (Chaetodon pelewensis) is also commonly listed as the Pelewensis or Dot-Dash Butterflyfish and is collected from South Pacific reef regions.
It shows a yellow-to-orange body with diagonal black banding and crisp yellow edging on the fins, and typically reaches about 5 inches as an adult in aquariums.
What You’ll Observe:
- Steady cruising through open water with frequent returns to the rockwork
- Repeated “pecking” and inspecting motions as it browses surfaces
- A deliberate feeding style, often taking smaller bites rather than rushing meals
- Most active during the day, making regular loops through the tank
Provide substantial live rock for browsing and shelter, along with clear swim lanes so it can move comfortably between cover and open areas. Offer a varied mix of meaty frozen foods plus algae-based options, and feed in smaller portions more than once daily so it has repeated chances to eat. With calm tankmates and a consistent routine, it settles into a predictable daily pattern of cruising and grazing.
Is it normal for a Sunset Butterfly to peck at rocks all day?
Yes—constant browsing is a typical behavior, and many keepers notice it “patrolling” the same areas repeatedly.
How long does it usually take to start eating after introduction?
It’s common for it to take a short settling-in period; offering a variety and keeping feeding times consistent helps it begin sampling sooner.
Can I keep it with other butterflyfish?
Most hobbyists recommend keeping it singly, especially avoiding similar-looking butterflies; larger systems have the best odds when multiple butterflies are introduced at the same time.
What foods tend to work best for the first “reliable” feedings?
Many aquarists have success starting with small meaty items (like mysis/brine-style foods) and then expanding variety once it’s eating steadily.
Why does it keep “testing” corals and invertebrates if it’s being fed well?
This species naturally samples benthic foods (including coral polyps in the wild), so “inspecting” behavior often continues even with regular feeding.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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