Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus)

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) is known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts by a variety of names including; Bluecheek Butterflyfish, Addis Butterflyfish, Masked Butterflyfish, Blue Cheeked Butterflyfish, Bluemask Butterflyfish, Coralfish, Golden Butterflyfish, Golden Masked Butterflyfish, Red-lined Butterflyfish, Red Sea Butterflyfish, Red Sea Golden Butterflyfish, Semilarvatus Butterfly, and Yellow Butterflyfish.

Found in the Northwestern Indian Ocean, their range extends into the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as far east as the coast of Oman.

In their range, Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish are a common species that are encountered in pairs and small shoals among reefs rich in coral growth, at depths from the surface to over 65 feet where they can be seen feeding on benthic invertebrates and hard corals. They are occasionally seen hovering in a stationary position for long periods beneath ledges of plate corals of the genus Acroporak.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus)

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish have a bright yellow body striped with delicate thin red vertical lines and a bluish gray mask covering the eyes.   The dorsal, anal, pelvic and caudal fins are yellow.

Bluecheek Butterflyfish are best housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. Because they eat soft corals and small polyp stony corals as well as ornamental shrimp, tube worms and anemones, they are not considered reef safe.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish are a peaceful species that can be housed alone, in pairs, or in groups with other peaceful fish of similar size and temperament in the same aquarium, however, they may become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or coloration when housed in smaller tanks.

Although the Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish is one of the few species to have long term mates, Chaetodon semilarvatus have not been reportedly bred in an aquarium environment. In the wild, pairs will normally spawn in the water column during the day. At night the eggs emerge into active larvae.

In their natural habitat Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish feed primarily on hard corals and benthic invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a variety of meaty foods like vitamin enriched brine shrimp, seaweed, nori, spirulina, marine algae, and prepared algae based foods.

Feeding small portions of high quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live offerings of brine shrimp or mysis shrimp 2 to 3 or more times a day is recommended.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) are occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes are for Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 5″

Prices start at around $ 349.99 for small Red Sea specimens.

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: Temp 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.022-1.025
Max size: 9″
Color Form: Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Northwestern Indian Ocean
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate