Citron Butterflyfish Chaetodon citrinellus

Citron Butterflyfish Chaetodon citrinellus

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon citrinellus
• Family Name: Chaetodontidae
• Geographic Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Hawaii, Japan, and surrounding tropical reef systems
• Feeding Preference: Omnivore that naturally consumes algae, coral polyps, small benthic invertebrates, and marine organisms
• Preferred Aquarium Temperature: 75–82°F
• Recommended pH Window: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity Recommendation: 8–12 dKH
• Distinctive Appearance: Pale yellow body coloration accented by darker facial markings and vertical body barring
• Habitat Association: Frequently observed around lagoons, reef flats, and protected coral reef environments
• Swimming Characteristics: Active marine fish that benefits from stable aquarium parameters and open swimming space
• Growth Potential: Commonly reaches approximately 5–6 inches under long-term care conditions
• Behavioral Pattern: Often encountered individually, in pairs, or small groups around reef systems