Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis)


pyramid butterflyfish

Pyramid butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) are beautiful marine fish that like to congregate in groups on the coral reef. They typically inhabit relatively deep ocean waters.

These butterflyfish are from the Indo-Pacific and belong to the family Chaetodontidae. They are frequently found off the coast of Hawaii.

Their name is derived from the white marking on their sides. It is triangular in shape and is said to look like a pyramid.

Pyramid butterflyfish reach an adult size of about 7 inches (18 cm) in length. You should house them in an aquarium that is large enough for you to keep several of them in a group. As you can see in the above photo, these fish are unlikely to be happy as solitary specimens.

Sometimes, in the small confines of an aquarium, normally peaceful species will fail to get along with their tankmates. You can prevent fish squabbles by ensuring that your tank is large enough to accommodate your fish and provide them with plenty of swimming room.

You should also provide them with plenty of live rock with crevices and caves for hiding places.

In general, pyramid butterflyfish are good fish for reef tanks, but don't keep them with overly aggressive fish.

In their natural habitat they feed on plankton and small crustaceans. In captivity feed them mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped up seafood (squid, shrimp, crustacean flesh), and meaty frozen fish food for marine fish. These fish are usually not difficult to feed in captivity.

Pyramid butterfly fish can generally be purchased for between $35-50 depending on their size.