Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)
Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Brown and White Butterflyfish, Black Pyramid Butterflyfish, or Brushtooth Butterflyfish are widespread throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
Their range extends from the east coast of Africa and Oman to the Andaman Sea and western Sumatra and south western Java, Indonesia and from India to Mauritius.
Zoster Butterflyfish are most often encountered swimming in large schools feeding on zooplankton and algae along the outer reef slopes of their range at depths from 9 to 140 feet.
Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)
Zoster Butterflyfish have a laterally compressed, round body with a short snout. A broad, white trapezoid shaped band covers the middle of the black body. The black dorsal fin is intersected by yellow on the tips of the white band. The pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins are white.
The intensity of the brown to black areas on this fish can vary depending on the time of day, their mood, etc.
The Zoster Butterflyfish a gregarious species that is best housed in small schools in either a FOWLR or established reef tank of at least 150 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline gravel substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for the fish to graze on and hide among, and lots of free swimming space.
Black Pyramid Butterflyfish require thoroughly filtered, well-oxygenated water, with areas of brisk water movement. An excellent filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker or power head is highly recommended.
When adding a group, it is best to select medium size Hemitaurichthys zoster between 3″ to 4.5″ in length and add them into the tank at the same time. Other peaceful tankmates can be added after the Zoster Butterflyfish have established their territories.
Although well fed Zoster Butterflyfish are considered reef safe, they have been known to pick on inverts, xenia, and other soft corals. They are best kept in reef environments with some of the more noxious soft corals.
They do well in a FOWLR aquarium with other shy, peaceful species but use caution when housing them with other butterflyfish species.
Zoster Butterflyfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.
In their natural habitat, they form distinct pairs and after a short mating ritual, scatter their eggs in open water. The larvae float as plankton and remain pelagic until they develop into juveniles.
In the wild, Brown and White Butterflyfish are zooplanktivores. In an aquarium environment, they will eat a variety of live of frozen foods like plankton, baby brine shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, Angel & Butterfly Mix, and finely chopped krill. Supplements of freeze dried foods containing algae and dried algae should also be provided. Feeding small amounts several times daily is recommended.
Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts like to install refugiums under the aquarium to culture copepod colonies for a constant supply of live foods.
Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)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: Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″; XLarge: 4-1/2″ or larger
Currently prices for small specimens start at around $99.99 for small Sri Lanka specimens, to $168.99 for large specimens.
Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR or Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 7 ″
Color Form: Black, Brown, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indian Ocean
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: up to 10 Years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
