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Sunburst Butterflyfish

Sunburst Butterflyfish

SKU: F12
C$84.99Price
Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii) 
 
Available for Local pick up only
 
Sunburst Butterflyfish – Quick Care Guide
  • Species: Chaetodon kleinii
  • Size: Up to 6 in (15 cm)
  • Coloration: Golden-yellow body with dark eye bar and faint side stripes
  • Temperament: Peaceful; may nip at corals
  • Tank Size: 70–100+ gallons
  • Placement: Open swimming space with rockwork
  • Lighting: Standard reef lighting
  • Flow: Moderate–strong
  • Diet: Omnivore – frozen mysis, brine, chopped seafood, pellets, flakes, algae-based foods
  • Feeding: 2–3 times daily
  • Reef Safe: With caution – may nip at soft corals, zoas, some LPS
  • Care Level: Easy–moderate; hardy for a butterflyfish
Quantity

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.

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