Burgess Butterfly

About this fish

The Burgess Butterfly is a marine butterflyfish sold for the home saltwater aquarium, identified as Chaetodon burgessi. It’s a visually striking, disc-shaped fish that’s typically kept for active, reef-aesthetic fish displays—though many butterflyfish may ignore décor and still show interest in corals or small invertebrates. In practice, this fish is best used in aquariums where you can plan around that feeding behavior, offering steady conditions and a varied menu so it can settle in after transport.

Features:

• Graceful, disc-shaped body and eye-catching patterning make it a focal fish in spacious tanks.
• Many butterflyfish are known to pick at corals and small invertebrates, so it’s generally better suited to fish-only setups with live rock.
• A varied diet helps support acceptance and health; offer foods such as frozen mysis and clam plus quality prepared foods.
• Feeding several times a day can help match typical butterflyfish foraging behavior.
• Stable water quality and calm, compatible tankmates make it easier for the Burgess Butterfly to acclimate.
• When it arrives, acclimate slowly and provide a quiet place in the tank to reduce stress while it settles.

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Chaetodon burgessi
• Category: Butterflyfish (marine fish)
• Tank suitability (general guidance): Often best for fish-only or mixed fish systems where corals and small invertebrates are not a priority
• Sizes offered: Small, Medium
• Diet (general guidance): Frozen mysis, clam, and quality prepared foods