Klein's Butterflyfish SML

Klein's Butterflyfish

Klein's Butterflyfish is an oval-shaped, slender creature with a primarily yellow body and a white band running along its centre. Its brilliant white head has a darker blackish-blue stripe running vertically through its eye. Its typical snout mouth is also coloured in this darker shade.

There is no known differences between males and females and no one has had any success breeding them in captivity to date.

Klein's Butterflyfish is an extremely durable and hardy species and will adjust well into a variety of tanks.

These fish are from the Indo-Pacific region ranging from East Africa and the Red Sea over to Samoa, Australia and New Caledonia. They have even been spotted around the Galapagos Islands. They live in coral-rich areas and rocky reefs such as lagoons, reef slopes and slides. Usually, they hang around in pairs but can sometimes join larger groups of the same or different species of fish at depths of between 4-120 metres.

Tank Recommendations for Klein's Butterflyfish

The smallest tank size for this species is 210 litres if keeping only one but a larger tank should be provided if more are wanted. They will swim around freely so provide plenty of open space but also some hiding places. Water movement is not a significant factor but they do prefer slower moving. A mix of sand and coral substrate is needed. This species of butterflyfish will nip at and eat hard coral species and certain anemones, so it is not recommended for reef aquariums.

Suitable Tank Buddies

These are peaceful fish and so you can keep them with most other species even quite aggressive ones. They do well when kept with others of the same species. However, sometimes two males will occasionally fight so be prepared to separate them if that does happen.

Usually Compatible

Klein's Butterflyfish will do well with both small and large species of Angelfish as well as Anglerfish, Batfish and Blennies. Boxfish, Dragonets, Cardinals and Clownfish will make great tank buddies too. Other excellent choices include Hawkfish, Parrotfish, Pufferfish and even Lionfish.

Sometime Compatible

As mentioned before keeping these fish with other butterflyfish is possible but be prepared to separate them if fighting occurs. Caution should also be taken when housing with Damsels, Eels and Filefish. Tangs, Triggerfish, Wrasse and Scorpionfish should also be watched in case they become too boisterous. Invertebrates may be added but are aware there may be a chance of being consumed.

Rarely Compatible

Larger predators such as Groupers, Sharks and Snappers will more than likely hunt the Butterflyfish so avoid it at all costs. Pipefish and Seahorses will not co-habitat with butterflyfish easily either. Live coral will almost certainly get picked apart by Klein's Butterflyfish and as such this species is definitely not qualified as reef safe.

Feeding Your Klein's Butterflyfish

These fish are omnivores and in the wild will consume a diet containing microalgae and a wide variety of coral. Luckily in the aquarium, they will accept a range of foods. Offer them meaty foods such as shrimp as well as dried flakes and frozen preparations of all different types. Sponge based foods will suffice and even dried nori. Offer them different foods frequently at first until they get acclimatised and then be sure to feed the adults at least two times a day.