Burgess Butterflyfish

Burgess Butterflyfish

The Burgess Butterflyfish is a true beauty in the industry. It originates from the deep waters of the reefs in the Western Pacific. Remaining relatively small, the Burgess’ Butterflyfish is predominately black and white in color. There are three black bands that mark these fish. The first black band forms a mask covering the eyes of the fish. The last black band covers a majority of the back of the fish, giving it a unique look. They are relatively hardy fish that will add beauty to the marine aquarium.

The Burgess’ Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided with multiple hiding places. The ideal aquarium will be at least 70 gallons and will contain plenty of live rock that will provide cover from the light and a supplemental food source. They are not good candidates for the reef aquarium, as they will pick at any feather dusters, anemones and LPS corals. However, they are useful in a reef aquarium that does not contain the former, as they will control aiptasia anemones.

The Burgess’ Butterfly’s diet primarily consists of coral polyps, crustaceans, and algae in the wild. In an aquarium, frozen and freeze-dried diets containing algae are good substitutes and can be supplemented with dried algae and vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp.