Raffles’ Butterflyfish

(Chaetodon rafflesii)

The a striking and elegant species known for its vibrant yellow body, bold black vertical bars, and the classic butterflyfish eye stripe that gives it a refined, iconic look. Active, peaceful, and constantly on the move, this fish brings colour, motion, and personality to medium and large marine aquariums. This species is well-known for its graceful swimming behaviour and natural curiosity. While generally hardy once established, it thrives best in stable, mature tanks with plenty of rockwork to graze on.

Care Information

Temperament: Peaceful and suitable for community fish-only setups. Can coexist with other peaceful species, but avoid highly aggressive tankmates.
Diet: Omnivorous. Offer a varied diet including frozen mysis and brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood, marine omnivore or butterflyfish pellets, and spirulina or enriched frozen foods. Regular feeding helps maintain colouration and overall health.
Tank Size: Minimum 250–300L with open swimming space and rock structures for grazing.
Reef Compatibility: Not recommended for reef aquariums. often nip at LPS, soft corals, zoanthids, and clam mantles.
Notes: Provide stable water parameters and a peaceful environment. This species adapts best when introduced to well-established aquariums with natural microfauna to supplement feeding during the initial acclimation period.