Lemon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon milliaris
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Butterflyfish
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
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 Lemon Butterflyfish
General information
Lemon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon milliaris) is a small, peaceful marine fish species that can grow up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length. They have a bright yellow body with thin black stripes that run vertically along their body. Lemon Butterflyfish are known for their striking yellow coloration and are a popular species for saltwater aquariums.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Lemon Butterflyfish feed on a diet of small invertebrates and algae. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet consisting of frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and other small meaty foods. It is important to feed them several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.
Determining sex
There are no visible differences between male and female Lemon Butterflyfish.
Breeding & spawning
There have been no documented cases of Lemon Butterflyfish breeding in captivity. In the wild, they typically spawn in pairs and release their eggs into the water column. The eggs then float to the surface and hatch within a few days.
Diseases
Lemon Butterflyfish are susceptible to common saltwater fish diseases such as ich and velvet. It is important to quarantine new fish before introducing them to an established aquarium to prevent the spread of disease.
Origination
Lemon Butterflyfish are native to the Pacific Ocean, specifically the waters surrounding Hawaii and the South Pacific.
Cautions
Lemon Butterflyfish are generally peaceful, but they may become aggressive towards other fish of the same species or similar coloration.
Acclimation process
When introducing Lemon Butterflyfish to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent stress and shock. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature, then gradually adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of an hour or two.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.