Bluecheek Butterflyfish: The Regal & Vibrant Centerpiece
The Bluecheek Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus), also known as the Semilarvatus Butterflyfish, is a beautiful and highly sought-after fish that makes an excellent addition to a large fish-only marine aquarium. This butterflyfish is easily recognized by its vibrant coloration: a bright yellow body with thin, vertical blue lines and a striking blue patch on its face that gives it its common name. It is an active and graceful swimmer that requires plenty of open space. While generally peaceful, it can be territorial towards other butterflyfish. It is not considered reef-safe, as it is a specialized corallivore and feeds on coral polyps.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaetodon semilarvatus |
| Common Name | Bluecheek Butterflyfish |
| Size (adult) | 4 to 6 inches |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| Water pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Water Hardness | 8–12 dGH |
| Feeding Type | Corallivore (feeds on coral polyps) |
| Compatibility | Peaceful with large fish-only setups; avoid other butterflyfish |
FAQ
Is the Bluecheek Butterflyfish safe to keep with reef corals?
No, the Bluecheek Butterflyfish is not considered reef-safe due to its specialized diet of coral polyps.
What kind of tank size is recommended for this fish?
A large fish-only marine aquarium is recommended, as this butterflyfish requires plenty of open space to swim and thrive.
How does the Bluecheek Butterflyfish behave in a community tank?
It is generally peaceful but can become territorial toward other butterflyfish. It is best kept in a tank with compatible, non-aggressive species.
Cameron Walker –
The Bluecheek Butterflyfish is stunning in the tank. Its bright yellow body and blue face markings stand out beautifully. It’s active and adds a lot of visual interest. I keep it in a 120-gallon fish-only tank and it’s adapted well. Just make sure there are no other butterflyfish nearby to avoid conflicts.
Robert White –
A beautiful addition to my marine setup. The fish swims gracefully and its colors are vibrant. I’ve noticed it spends time near coral areas, so I’ve adjusted feeding to avoid direct coral contact. It’s not reef-safe, which I was aware of before purchasing.
Molly Rutherford –
I’ve had this butterflyfish for six months now and it’s thriving. The blue patch on its face is very noticeable and it’s a real centerpiece. It’s active during the day and enjoys open swimming space. I recommend it for experienced aquarists with large tanks.