Sunset Butterflyfish (Pelewensis Butterflyfish)
The Sunset Butterflyfish is native to the reefs of the South Pacific. It has an oval body with vibrant yellow to orange hues covering most of its surface. Black diagonal bands run across its body, and its fins are outlined in striking yellow.
It thrives in large, peaceful community aquariums with abundant live rock. This species should be kept alone, not with other butterflyfish or similar fish, and should not be housed with stress-prone species.
It is not suitable for reef aquariums as it feeds on invertebrates and may damage corals. The fish is shy and deliberate when feeding, requiring careful and consistent feeding routines.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Origin: South Pacific reefs |
| Body Color: Yellow to orange |
| Fin Outline: Yellow |
| Behavior: Shy, deliberate feeder |
| Compatibility: Best kept alone; avoid stress-inducing fish and reef environments |
FAQ
What kind of aquarium setup is best for the Sunset Butterflyfish?
It should be housed in a large, peaceful community aquarium with plenty of live rock. Avoid reef environments as it feeds on invertebrates and may damage corals.
Can the Sunset Butterflyfish be kept with other fish?
No, it should be kept singly. It should not be kept with other butterflyfish, similar species, or stress-inducing fish.
How often should I feed the Sunset Butterflyfish?
It is a deliberate feeder and should be fed regularly with small portions. Feeding should be done carefully and at consistent times to encourage feeding behavior.

Joshua MacDonald –
The Sunset Butterflyfish is a stunning addition to my large tank. Its vibrant colors and unique pattern are eye-catching. I keep it alone and have noticed it’s very shy, so I feed it once a day with small portions. It’s not for beginners, but the visual impact is worth it.
James Nash –
I’ve had this fish for six months now. It’s beautiful and stays calm in my spacious tank with live rock. I feed it twice a week and it seems to enjoy the food. I didn’t expect it to be so picky, but it’s worth the effort.
Pippa Rutherford –
The fish looks great, but it’s very slow to eat. I had to adjust my feeding schedule to match its habits. It’s not a good fit for smaller tanks or mixed communities. I keep it alone and it’s peaceful overall.