Threadfin Butterfly

The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the more popular and readily available butterflyfish. Generally a hardy species, in the wild it is found on inner and outer reef slopes.

As with many fish, the Threadfin Butterflys color and markings can vary with the region of origin. Red Sea specimens tend to lose the eyespot (false eye to confuse predators) on the dorsal fin.

The Auriga Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided multiple hiding places. It is safe to keep it in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.

The Auriga Butterflyfish diet primarily consists of coral polyps, crustaceans, and algae in the wild. In an aquarium, frozen and freeze-dried diets containing algae are good substitutes and can be supplemented with asparagus, broccoli, and some dried algae.