The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the most recognizable and adaptable butterflyfish available to marine aquarium keepers. Its brilliant white body is covered with delicate black chevron markings, complemented by a dark eye band, bright yellow fins, and a distinctive trailing dorsal filament.

Compared with many other butterflyfish, the Auriga is generally considered a hardier and more approachable choice. It is an active swimmer that creates an impressive display in a spacious, mature fish-only marine aquarium.

The fish received will measure approximately 2.5–3.5 inches.

Please Note

The photograph represents the typical appearance of this species. The exact fish received will vary naturally in size, coloration, markings, and appearance.

This fish is not considered reef safe. It may nip at stony corals, soft corals, anemones, feather dusters, worms, and other sessile invertebrates.

Quarantine and Availability

This fish is made available through a managed quarantine process and may require up to 14 days before it is ready to ship. Shipping timing depends on where the individual fish is within the quarantine process when the order is placed.

Orders containing this fish will ship only after the fish has completed the required observation and quarantine period. Customers will receive tracking information when the order is ready to leave the facility.

Care Information

Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Scientific Name: Chaetodon auriga
Common Names: Auriga Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: No
Minimum Aquarium Size: 125 Gallons
Available Size: Approximately 2.5–3.5 Inches
Maximum Adult Size: Approximately 8–9 Inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Water Movement: Moderate
Aquarium Region: All Levels

Aquarium Requirements

The Auriga Butterflyfish requires a mature, well-filtered saltwater aquarium with excellent water quality, ample open swimming room, and plenty of established rockwork for shelter and grazing.

A minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons is recommended due to its adult size and active swimming behavior. Keep only one Auriga Butterflyfish unless a compatible pair is introduced simultaneously into a considerably larger aquarium.

Avoid housing this fish with highly aggressive tankmates that may prevent it from feeding or cause excessive stress. It may become territorial toward other butterflyfish or fish with similar body shapes and coloration.

Diet and Feeding

Offer a varied diet several times throughout the day. Suitable foods include:

Mysis shrimp
Enriched brine shrimp
Finely chopped shrimp
Clam and mussel
Marine fish preparations
Spirulina-enriched foods
High-quality marine pellets
Marine algae and nori

Newly introduced butterflyfish may initially be hesitant to eat. Established live rock and a variety of frozen foods can help encourage natural grazing and feeding behavior.

Recommended Water Parameters

Temperature: 72–78°F
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Live Animal Shipping

Live fish are shipped using FedEx Priority Overnight in insulated packaging with appropriate temperature control when needed. A $39.99 overnight live-animal shipping fee applies per order. Qualifying live-animal orders of $300 or more receive free shipping.

Please review our complete Live Arrival and Health Guarantee before ordering.