Pyramid Butterfly

Overview

The Pyramid Butterfly is an unusual butterflyfish in that it feeds primarily on plankton in open water rather than picking at coral or rock, making it one of the more genuinely reef-safe members of the family. Its striking triangular white-and-brown-yellow pattern and naturally schooling habit set it apart from most other butterflyfish, which tend to be solitary or paired.

It's considered one of the hardier and easier butterflyfish to keep, generally transitioning onto prepared foods without the feeding difficulties common in many other Chaetodon and related species.

Given its schooling nature, it often does best kept in a small group in a sufficiently large tank, showing more natural, confident behaviour than as a single individual.

Compatibility

Pyramid Butterflies are peaceful and fully reef safe, feeding on plankton rather than coral tissue, so they pose no risk to stony or soft coral. They generally coexist well with a wide range of community fish, including tangs, wrasses, and gobies.

They can be kept in small groups, showing natural schooling behaviour and generally less aggression toward their own kind than many other butterflyfish species.

Health & quarantine

This is one of the hardier and easier-to-feed butterflyfish available, generally transitioning onto prepared foods quickly. A minimum four-week quarantine is still recommended good practice, though this species tends to have fewer acclimation issues than most other Chaetodon species.