Blacktail Butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus)
Chaetodon austriacus
Origin: Red Sea, Gulf of Aden
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 12 cm
- Min Tank
- 250 L
- Lifespan
- 5-8
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- Carnivore — obligate corallivore; live coral polyps, specialised coral paste
- Temperament
- Peaceful toward fish; strict dietary requirements limit suitability
About
The Blacktail Butterflyfish is an obligate corallivore from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with a bright yellow body and broad black rear border. One of the most visually appealing butterflyfish, its strict coral-feeding diet demands specialised feeding protocols and is suitable only for expert marine aquarists.
Care Guide
Requires live coral polyps (Acropora, Stylophora) or highly specialised coral paste foods (e.g. Reef-Roids suspension, Ocean Nutrition). Initial transition to frozen foods is extremely difficult. Provide very clean, stable water. Not reef-safe. Expert-only species. Rarely survives long-term in captivity without dedicated husbandry.
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