Burgess Butterflyfish
Chaetodon burgessi
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Butterflyfish
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Burgess Butterflyfish
General information
The Burgess Butterflyfish, also known as the Blue Mask Butterflyfish, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish that is native to the western Pacific Ocean. It has a bright yellow body with a blue face mask and a black diagonal stripe on the lower half of its body. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and is a hardy species that can adapt to a range of water conditions.
Diet & nutrition
The Burgess Butterflyfish is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of foods including algae, small crustaceans, and invertebrates. In captivity, it can be fed a diet of frozen or fresh meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood, as well as algae-based foods.
Determining sex
There are no visible differences between males and females of the Burgess Butterflyfish species.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding and spawning of Burgess Butterflyfish in captivity is rare. In the wild, they spawn in pairs and lay their eggs on hard surfaces such as rocks or coral.
Diseases
The Burgess Butterflyfish is susceptible to common saltwater fish diseases such as ich, marine velvet, and bacterial infections. It is important to maintain good water quality and provide a healthy diet to help prevent these diseases.
Origination
The Burgess Butterflyfish is native to the western Pacific Ocean, including Japan, Micronesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cautions
The Burgess Butterflyfish can be aggressive towards other butterflyfish and may require a larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places to help reduce aggression. It may also nip at corals and other invertebrates in the aquarium.
Acclimation process
It is important to acclimate the Burgess Butterflyfish slowly to its new aquarium environment to reduce stress and improve its chances of survival. The drip acclimation method is recommended, which involves slowly introducing aquarium water to the fish over a period of time.
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