Is the Klein's Butterflyfish reef safe?

It is considered 'reef safe with caution'. While it typically ignores SPS corals, it may nip at soft corals, zoanthids, and some LPS corals, especially if underfed.

Will it definitely eat Aiptasia anemones?

Yes, they are highly regarded as one of the best biological controls for Aiptasia. Most individuals will clear an aquarium of these pest anemones within a few weeks.

Can I keep more than one Klein's Butterflyfish together?

It is not recommended unless you can source a confirmed mated pair. Two males or non-paired individuals will likely fight over territory in a standard aquarium.

Why is my Klein's Butterflyfish hiding in the rocks?

Newly introduced fish will often hide while they acclimatise. Ensure there are no aggressive tank mates bullying the fish, and try feeding live foods to encourage it out into the open.

What should I feed it if there is no Aiptasia left?

They will readily transition to standard marine aquarium foods. Offer a varied diet of frozen Mysis, spirulina, and high-quality pellets two to three times a day.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Klein's Butterflyfish

Chaetodon kleinii

The Klein's Butterflyfish is a hardy, vibrantly coloured marine fish celebrated for its peaceful nature and outstanding ability to control nuisance Aiptasia anemones.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 12 – 15 cm
250 Litres: 250 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: FOWLR or thoughtfully planned mixed reef with ample mature live rock

About the Klein's Butterflyfish

Klein's Butterflyfish (*Chaetodon kleinii*), frequently referred to as the Sunburst Butterflyfish, is broadly considered one of the most resilient and adaptable members of the Chaetodontidae family. Found extensively across the Indo-Pacific, it brings a bright splash of yellow and gold to the marine aquarium. Uniquely among its relatives, it is often employed as a biological control method for pest *Aiptasia* anemones. However, its omnivorous grazing habits dictate that it must be introduced to reef systems with careful consideration.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Klein's Butterflyfish comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, Hawaii

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Egypt, United States

Habitat

Deep lagoons, reef channels, and seaward rocky reefs.

Widespread across the Indo-Pacific, typically found at depths of 4 to 60 metres.

Similar species

Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Chaetodon unimaculatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Peaceful herbivore that occupies a different ecological niche and body shape, preventing territorial disputes.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful disposition and largely confined to its chosen territory, making it an excellent and non-competitive tank mate.
Great
Zoanthids and Soft Corals
Klein's Butterflyfish are opportunistic grazers and may nip at or consume soft coral polyps and zoanthids once Aiptasia sources are depleted.
Compatible with caution
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Can be highly territorial over live rock grazing areas, potentially stressing a newly introduced butterflyfish.
Compatible with caution
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
Cohabiting similar butterflyfish species often leads to severe conspecific aggression in all but the largest marine systems.
Not recommended
Niger Triggerfish
Odonus niger
Far too boisterous and potentially aggressive for the more delicate and mild-mannered butterflyfish.
Not recommended

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