Caribbean Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon striatus)
The Caribbean Banded Butterflyfish is a timeless favorite known for its elegant pattern and calm presence. Its bright white body is accented with bold vertical black bands, a yellow dorsal area, and a subtle black eye stripe, giving it a clean, high-contrast look that stands out beautifully in larger saltwater aquariums.
Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this butterflyfish is an active yet peaceful swimmer that does best in spacious tanks with plenty of open water and live rock for grazing and shelter. It generally coexists well with other non-aggressive fish, making it a great choice for community fish-only or FOWLR systems.
Like most butterflyfish, the Caribbean Banded Butterflyfish is not considered reef-safe.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Species: Chaetodon striatus |
| Origin: Western Atlantic and Caribbean |
| Size: Up to 6 inches |
| Water Temperature: 75–82°F |
| Water pH: 8.1–8.4 |
| Compatibility: Non-aggressive fish only |
| Feeding: Small, live or frozen foods |
FAQ
Is the Caribbean Banded Butterflyfish safe to keep in a reef tank?
No, the Caribbean Banded Butterflyfish is not considered reef-safe.
What kind of tank setup is best for this fish?
A spacious tank with plenty of open water and live rock is ideal for this fish to swim and graze.
How does this fish interact with other fish in the tank?
It is generally peaceful and coexists well with non-aggressive fish in community or fish-only systems.
Nicola Dowd –
The Banded Butterflyfish is a striking addition to my tank. Its bright white body with black bands and yellow dorsal area makes it stand out. It’s active but not aggressive and enjoys the live rock for grazing. I’ve kept it with several peaceful fish and it’s adapted well.
Joshua Peters –
Beautiful fish with a classic look. It swims gracefully and stays calm in the tank. I appreciate the clean contrast of its markings. Needs a good-sized tank with open space and live rock to thrive.
Paul Lyman –
I bought this fish for my saltwater setup and it’s been a joy to watch. It’s active during the day and doesn’t stress other fish. The coloration is vivid and the fish seems healthy after a few weeks.