Zoster Butterflyfish
A bold black-and-white butterflyfish, dark at the front and rear with a broad white band across the middle. Unusually for the family, a genuinely reef-safe planktivore.
Feeding
A planktivore rather than a coral feeder, which is what makes it reef safe. Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and marine pellets, two or three times daily.
Compatibility
Reef safe – feeds from the water column and leaves corals alone. Peaceful, and best kept in a group of three or more.
Behaviour and personality
Shoals in open water above the rockwork, feeding from the current rather than picking at rock.
Before you buy
One of very few reef-safe butterflyfish, and much easier to feed than the coral-eating species. Keep in a group and provide open swimming space.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Zoster Butterflyfish |
| Brand | Real Aquatics |
| Feeding Type | Planktivore |
| Reef Safety | Reef-safe |
| Group Size | Three or more |
FAQ
What does the Zoster Butterflyfish eat?
It is a planktivore and eats frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and marine pellets, fed two or three times daily.
Is the Zoster Butterflyfish safe for a reef tank?
Yes, it is reef-safe because it feeds from the water column and does not interact with corals.
How should I set up the tank for this fish?
Provide open swimming space and keep the fish in a group of three or more to promote natural behavior.
Stephanie Hughes –
The Zoster Butterflyfish is a beautiful addition to my reef tank. It doesn’t touch the corals and is very active in the open water. I feed it mysis and brine shrimp daily and it thrives. The group behavior is natural and peaceful.
Lillian Black –
I was worried about introducing a butterflyfish to a reef tank, but this one is truly reef-safe. It swims in the open water and only eats from the current. Feeding is simple and the fish looks vibrant.
Penelope Piper –
After adding this fish to my tank, I noticed the water movement is more dynamic. It’s a peaceful fish that doesn’t stress other inhabitants. I keep it with two others and they form a nice shoal.