Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) – Reef-Safe Schooling Fish
A beautiful, schooling butterflyfish with a bright white body, vivid yellow dorsal, tail, and rear body, and a distinctive black facial mask. Unlike most butterflyfish, the Pyramid Butterflyfish is a planktivore, making it one of the few butterflyfish considered highly reef-safe. It is active, peaceful, and often swims in groups in the upper water column.
Lighting
Moderate to strong lighting
(Replicates its natural reef slope habitat)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Mid to upper water column
Requires plenty of open swimming space with rockwork for shelter.
Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity
1.023–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Diet
Planktivore
Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27°C (75–81°F) |
| Salinity | 1.023–1.026 SG |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Alkalinity | 8–10 dKH |
| Lighting | Moderate to strong |
| Water Column | Mid to upper |
FAQ
What makes the Pyramid Butterflyfish different from other butterflyfish?
The Pyramid Butterflyfish is a planktivore, feeding on plankton rather than coral polyps, which makes it highly reef-safe and less likely to damage live rock or other inhabitants.
How much space does this fish need in an aquarium?
It requires plenty of open swimming space with rockwork for shelter and should be kept in groups to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.
What type of food should I feed the Pyramid Butterflyfish?
Feed a planktivore diet consisting of mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. These foods closely match its natural feeding habits.
Alexandra Cornish –
The Pyramid Butterflyfish is a stunning addition to my reef tank. It’s peaceful, active, and swims in groups. I love how it doesn’t bother the corals or other fish. Feeding it mysis shrimp is easy and it eats readily.
Max Paige –
After adding this fish to my 120-gallon tank, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall activity level. It’s very social and stays in the upper water column, which is perfect for my setup.
Austin Quinn –
The fish looks beautiful with its white body and yellow markings. It’s calm and doesn’t chase other fish. I’ve had it for three months and it’s thriving with regular mysis feedings.