Lemon Butterflyfish: The Vibrant & Schooling Butterflyfish
The Lemon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris), also known as the Milletseed Butterflyfish, is a beautiful and unique fish that makes an excellent addition to a large fish-only marine aquarium. This butterflyfish is easily recognized by its vibrant coloration: a lemon yellow body covered in countless small black dots, giving it its common name. It also has a distinct black eye-band. It is an active and graceful swimmer that requires plenty of open space and is known for its schooling behavior in the wild. While generally peaceful, it is not considered reef-safe, as it is an opportunistic feeder that will eat smaller invertebrates.
Specifications
| Species | Chaetodon miliaris |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Lemon Butterflyfish, Milletseed Butterflyfish |
| Size (adult) | 3 to 4 inches |
| Behavior | Active, schooling |
| Compatibility | Peaceful with similar-sized fish; not reef-safe |
| Water Conditions | Salinity: 1.020–1.025, Temperature: 75–82°F, pH: 8.1–8.4 |
FAQ
Is the Lemon Butterflyfish safe to keep with corals?
No, the Lemon Butterflyfish is not considered reef-safe due to its opportunistic feeding habits. It may eat small invertebrates and polyps, so it should not be kept in a reef aquarium.
How much space does a Lemon Butterflyfish need?
A large aquarium is recommended, as the Lemon Butterflyfish is an active swimmer and prefers plenty of open space. A minimum of 100 gallons is advised for a single fish, with larger tanks better supporting its schooling behavior.
What do Lemon Butterflyfish eat?
They are omnivorous and primarily feed on small crustaceans, algae, and other small invertebrates. A varied diet including marine flakes, frozen foods, and algae wafers is recommended.
Connor King –
The Lemon Butterflyfish is a stunning addition to my marine tank. Its bright yellow color with black dots is very eye-catching. It swims actively and forms a nice school with others of its kind. I keep it in a 120-gallon tank with other peaceful fish. Just make sure there are no corals or small invertebrates nearby.
Jonathan Butler –
Beautiful fish with a lively presence. I noticed it’s more active during the day and enjoys the open areas of the tank. It’s not aggressive, but I’ve had to remove a small anemone after a few weeks. Not suitable for reef tanks, but great in a fish-only setup.
Warren Skinner –
The fish arrived healthy and quickly adapted to the tank. Its coloration is vivid and it swims gracefully. I’ve added a few more to form a school, and they seem to get along well. I’m happy with the purchase and would recommend it to others with a large fish-only aquarium.