© Rickard Zerpe / CC BY 2.0Vagabond Butterflyfish
The Vagabond Butterflyfish is a striking marine fish, its white body crossed by fine diagonal lines, with bold black bands around the eye and toward the tail, and yellow fins trimmed in black. It's often regarded as one of the more approachable species for those new to keeping butterflyfish. Adults can grow to around 23 cm, giving it a solid presence in a marine aquarium. It's generally rated as suited to intermediate keepers, so it's best to have some experience managing water quality and tank conditions before bringing one home. One thing worth knowing in advance: it tends to nibble on coral, so it isn't a good fit for a reef tank built around corals.
View Vagabond Butterflyfish encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Commitments
Every Marine Fish listing shows Breeder's full disclosure. No wild-caught. Captive-bred priority, tank size guidance, temperament details—transparent aquaculture.
- Captive-bred
- WYSIWYG
- Reef-safe
- Care Info Included
- Origin Disclosed
- Temperament Listed
Browse all 215 breeds
Care Difficulty
Reef-safe
Temperament
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising marine fish?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a breederVagabond Butterflyfish key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Size
- Up to 23cm
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Frozen foods (mysis, crustaceans), pellets, filamentous algae
- Notes
- More tolerant of change than most butterflyfish but still gets marine ich. Quarantine and avoid sudden water changes.
- Container & Tank
- A tank of 470L or more is recommended, with live rock for shelter and open swimming space.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 22-26C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Keep water stable.
- Diet & Feeding
- Feed meaty frozen foods and pellets several times a day. Also grazes filamentous algae.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Fairly bold; can live with other butterflyfish and lively tank mates. Eats corals and anemones, so not for reef tanks.
About Vagabond Butterflyfish
The Vagabond Butterflyfish is a hardy species with diagonal stripes and black bands, growing up to 23 cm. Rated for intermediate keepers, it isn't reef-safe since it feeds on coral.
7 things to know before welcoming a Vagabond Butterflyfish
1An Approachable Butterflyfish
Its white body is crossed with fine diagonal lines, with bold black bands around the eye and near the tail, and yellow fins trimmed in black. It's often considered one of the more approachable species for those new to keeping butterflyfish.
2Hardy, But for Intermediate Keepers
It's hardy and adapts well to aquarium conditions, but it's generally rated as suited to intermediate keepers rather than beginners. It's best to have some experience managing water quality and tank stability first.
3Will Eat Coral
This species will nibble on and eat coral, so it isn't a good match for a reef tank built around corals. A live-rock setup without coral is a more appropriate environment.
4Grows Up to 23 cm
Adults can grow to around 23 cm. Plan for a tank size that accommodates its full adult size, not just the size it is at purchase.
5Pairs Defend Territory in the Wild
In the wild, it forms stable monogamous pairs that jointly defend a feeding territory. Provide a tank of 470 L or more, with live rock for hiding places and open space for swimming.
6Feeding Can Take Patience
Some individuals take time to adjust to prepared foods. Offering live or frozen foods at first and gradually introducing pellets or flakes can help it settle in.
7Fairly Easy to Keep with Tankmates
It is somewhat bold and can live with other butterflyfish and active fish. However, it eats corals and anemones, so plan your community in a tank that contains neither.
Frequently asked questions about Vagabond Butterflyfish
- Q.Is the Vagabond Butterflyfish suitable for beginners?
- A.It's hardy and adapts well to aquarium life, but it's generally considered suited to intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Some prior experience with marine fishkeeping is recommended.
- Q.Can it be kept in a reef tank with corals?
- A.No, it isn't a good fit for a reef tank built around corals, since it will nibble on and eat coral. A tank without corals is a better environment for this species.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It can reach up to about 23 cm as an adult. It's worth planning your tank size around its full-grown size, not just its size at purchase.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.Yes. It is somewhat bold and can live with other butterflyfish and active fish. A tank of 470 L or more is recommended. It eats corals and anemones, so keep it in a tank without them.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this species?
- A.The Vagabond Butterflyfish is not subject to CITES regulation.
Useful tools for Vagabond Butterflyfish care
Learn more about Vagabond Butterflyfish in the encyclopedia
View Vagabond Butterflyfish encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
Vagabond Butterflyfish related articles
See more Vagabond Butterflyfish articles →More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.