Eritrean Butterflyfish

The Eritrean Butterflyfish is an attractive Red Sea endemic species closely related to the Raccoon Butterflyfish but distinguished by its fewer vertical bars and more refined pattern. Its body displays a warm golden-yellow to orange hue with a series of thin dark chevron-like lines running diagonally across the flanks. A distinctive black eye bar and a dark crescent marking behind the eye give it a masked appearance, while the rear portion of the body features a reddish-orange blush that transitions into the caudal fin.

As a Red Sea endemic, Chaetodon paucifasciatus is adapted to the slightly warmer and more saline conditions typical of that region. In captivity, it is considered moderately hardy and one of the more adaptable butterflyfish species, often accepting prepared foods within a few days of introduction. Its willingness to feed on a variety of frozen and pellet foods makes it more manageable than many of its corallivore relatives.

This species is peaceful and well-suited for community fish-only aquariums. While it will consume coral polyps and is not reef-safe, it makes an excellent addition to fish-only-with-live-rock setups. The Eritrean Butterflyfish is best kept singly or as a mated pair and should be provided with a well-established tank featuring abundant live rock structure for grazing and shelter.