The Sunburst Butterflyfish is a gorgeous, brilliantly colored beauty great for experienced hobbyists. Butterflyfish aficionados will immediately recognize the Sunburst Butterflyfish as an elusive jewel. Though widespread across its natural range throughout tropical Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the Sunburst Butterflyfish is relatively uncommon within the aquarium trade as it shares a similar status as the Moorish Idol for its higher degree of care necessary for the Sunburst Butterflyfish to thrive in home aquariums.
The Sunburst Butterflyfish is also known as the Gold-Banded Butterflyfish thanks to the graphic golden-orange bands over its eyes and operculum. Like a sunflower in bloom, the darker, steely blue coloration of the body is surrounded by a perimeter of golden yellow coloration. This cheerfully colored specimen is sure to be a coveted star for the experience Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquarium keeper.
House the Sunburst Butterflyfish in a 70-gallon or larger aquarium with other peaceful fish and others of the same species, if all were introduced into the tank at the same time. Similar to other Butterflyfish, the Sunburst Butterflyfish may require extra "TLC" when first acclimating to the home aquarium.
Often regarded as an obligatory corallivore (live coral eater), the Sunburst Butterflyfish is a carnivore that can be difficult to feed, especially in the beginning. To entice eating, offer live vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, clam, and mashed squid or shrimp. Once eating regularly, offer mysis shrimp and frozen carnivore preparations. The Sunburst Butterflyfish should be fed at least three times a day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: < 2" to 3", Medium: 3" to 4"