How difficult is it to keep Vagabond Butterflyfish?

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

What is the ideal temperature for Vagabond Butterflyfish?

The ideal temperature for Vagabond Butterflyfish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Vagabond Butterflyfish?

The average lifespan of Vagabond Butterflyfish is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Vagabond Butterflyfish get?

Vagabond Butterflyfish typically reaches Up to 23cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Vagabond Butterflyfish?

Vagabond Butterflyfish feeds on: Frozen foods (mysis, crustaceans), pellets, filamentous algae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Vagabond Butterflyfish?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Vagabond Butterflyfish

Intermediate

Chaetodon vagabundus

White body with crossing diagonal lines, black bands through the eye and rear body, and yellow fins with black bars. Hardy and adaptable, often a first butterflyfish, but it eats corals and is not suited to reef tanks.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜26℃

Lifespan

5-10 years

Size

Up to 23cm

Diet

Frozen foods (mysis, crustaceans), pellets, filamentous algae

About

The Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus) is a butterflyfish found widely across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Line and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. Two sets of fine diagonal lines at right angles form a chevron on the white body, with a black band through the eye, another across the rear body, and black bars on the yellow dorsal, anal and tail fins. The species name means wanderer, after its wide-ranging habits. FishBase records a maximum of 23cm (total length); it lives on reef flats, lagoons and outer slopes at 0-30m and also enters turbid water near river mouths. An omnivore, it eats algae, coral polyps, crustaceans and polychaetes, and stable monogamous pairs jointly defend a feeding territory. It is among the easier Chaetodon to keep: in a tank of 470L or more it can live with other butterflyfish and holds its own against bolder fish. Feed mainly meaty frozen foods and pellets; it also nibbles filamentous algae. It eats corals and anemones, so keep it out of reef tanks.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Vagabond Butterflyfish

The Vagabond Butterflyfish lives 5-10 years.

Size of the Vagabond Butterflyfish

The Vagabond Butterflyfish grows to Up to 23cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Vagabond Butterflyfish

The ideal temperature for the Vagabond Butterflyfish is 22〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Indo-Pacific (East Africa to the Line and Tuamotu islands; north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and the Austral Islands)

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 22–26℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Min. Tank: 470 L

Semi-aggressiveNot reef safe

Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase

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 vagabundus Linnaeus, 1758

Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

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