Sunburst Butterflyfish

Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii)

Local Pickup only

 

Overview

The Sunburst Butterflyfish, also known as the Klein’s Butterflyfish, is a striking reef fish with a reputation for being one of the hardiest and most adaptable butterflyfish species. Unlike many of its more delicate relatives, the Sunburst can thrive in aquariums, making it a popular choice among marine aquarists. Its golden-yellow body with contrasting dark markings adds a warm, radiant glow to reef and fish-only systems alike.

 

Appearance

• Body Color: Warm golden to orange-yellow body.

• Markings: Vertical dark brown to black bar across the eye and sometimes faint stripes along the sides.

• Fins: Translucent to yellow with a subtle sheen.

• Size: Grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

• Shape: Oval, laterally compressed body typical of butterflyfish.

 

Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, though may nip at coral polyps.

• Swimming Style: Active swimmer, gliding gracefully around the tank.

• Schooling: Can be kept singly or in pairs; sometimes seen in loose groups in the wild.

 

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 70–100 gallons recommended due to active swimming.

• Aquascape: Requires open swimming space as well as rockwork for hiding and grazing.

• Lighting: Standard reef lighting – no special needs.

• Flow: Moderate to strong; mimics natural reef currents.

 

Diet & Feeding

• Feeding Needs: Omnivore. In the wild, feeds on soft corals, algae, and zooplankton.

• Foods in Captivity: Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, spirulina, high-quality pellets, and flakes.

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day for best health.

• Note: May nip at soft corals, zoanthids, and some LPS.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe: With caution – may nip at corals, particularly softies and zoas.

• Best Placement: More reliable in fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

 

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Generally peaceful; can coexist with tangs, wrasses, angelfish, gobies, and other non-aggressive fish.

• Avoid: Very aggressive species or small ornamental shrimp.

 

Care Level

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (hardy compared to most butterflyfish).

• Hardiness: One of the most resilient butterflyfish species in captivity.

• Longevity: Can live 5–7 years in captivity with proper care.

 

Water Parameters (Ideal Range)

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Nitrates: <20 ppm

• Phosphates: <0.1 ppm

 

Breeding

• Captive Breeding: Rare, but possible in very large aquariums.

• Wild Behavior: Pairs up during breeding season; releases eggs into the water column.

 

🌟 Fun Facts About the Sunburst Butterflyfish

• Hardiest Butterflyfish: Unlike many delicate species, this one adapts well to captivity and prepared foods.

• Cleaner Fish Role: In the wild, it has been observed cleaning parasites off larger fish.

• Coral Predator in Nature: Helps control certain coral populations on natural reefs, though this makes it a risk in coral-heavy reef tanks.