How difficult is it to keep Bluecheek butterflyfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Bluecheek butterflyfish?

The ideal temperature for Bluecheek butterflyfish is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Bluecheek butterflyfish get?

Bluecheek butterflyfish typically reaches Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Bluecheek butterflyfish?

Bluecheek butterflyfish feeds on: Omnivore (corals, benthic invertebrates, algae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Bluecheek butterflyfish?

The price of Bluecheek butterflyfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bluecheek butterflyfish

Intermediate

Chaetodon semilarvatus

A bright yellow Red Sea butterflyfish with thin orange-red vertical lines and a blue-grey patch behind the eye, known for hovering motionless under table corals.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (corals, benthic invertebrates, algae)

About

The golden or bluecheek butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) occurs only in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (FishBase). At up to 23 cm TL it is large for a butterflyfish. It is bright yellow with thin orange-red vertical lines and a blue-grey patch behind the eye. It lives on shallow, coral-rich reefs in pairs or small groups and sometimes hovers motionless for long periods under the plates of Acropora table corals. In the wild it eats hard and soft corals and benthic invertebrates. Saltcorner notes that juveniles adapt to aquaria more easily and adults can be difficult to wean. Feed meaty frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis plus algae-based foods several times a day. It eats stony and soft corals, clams and tubeworms, so keep it in a spacious fish-only tank rather than a reef. It is a popular Red Sea species in Japanese specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Bluecheek butterflyfish

The Bluecheek butterflyfish grows to Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Bluecheek butterflyfish

The ideal temperature for the Bluecheek butterflyfish is 22〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 23 cm TL (FishBase)

Temperature

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 22–28℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.026
Min. Tank: 470 L

PeacefulNot reef safe

Sources: FishBase (Chaetodon semilarvatus) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831

Synonyms: Chaetodon melanopoma Playfair, 1867

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.