Banded Butterflyfish

An ideal choice for novices The Banded Butterflyfish is a docile species that is able to get along with reef fish. It is striking in its contrast beauty. It has a long thin, disc-shaped body with a concave forehead and a shorter snout. The coloring of adults and juveniles may be very different. Juveniles are characterized by a large ringed black spot on the lower part of the dorsal Fin, four body bars that are vertical with the overall color of brownish-yellow rather than the white adults use as their base color. A calm fish Banded Butterflyfish are most commonly seen in pairs or alone in shallow water around coral reefs. The most active time is in the daytime, and then sleeping at night, they seek shelter during the night, as they are extremely susceptible to predators of larger size.   The Banded Butterflyfish is a carnivore that feeds on coral inhabitants like tube worms, anemones and corals, and even crustaceans. It is not a recommended reef fish, as they eat the majority of invertebrates. The coarseness of its teeth permits it to scrape away at the invertebrates that comprise its diet. Add to their diet different meaty meals as well as vitamin-enriched or color-enhancing foods. They are also able to remove parasites that are found in other fish.   Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/" to 2" Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 1/4" to 4 1/2" X Large 4 1/2" to 5 1/2"