Vagabond Butterflyfish

The Vagabond Butterflyfish is one of the most widely distributed and hardiest butterflyfish species available to marine aquarists, making it an excellent choice for those new to keeping butterflyfish. The body is white with a distinctive crisscross pattern of dark diagonal lines that intersect across the flanks, creating a striking herringbone or chevron effect. The posterior portion of the body is marked with yellow, and bold black bands extend through the eye and across the rear dorsal and anal fins. Adults may reach up to 9 inches, making this one of the larger commonly available butterflyfish.

In the marine aquarium, the Vagabond Butterflyfish is remarkably adaptable and forgiving. It transitions to captive life quickly and will accept virtually any food offered, including flakes, pellets, frozen preparations, and fresh seafood. Its robust constitution, willingness to eat, and tolerance of varying water conditions make it one of the best beginner butterflyfish alongside Klein's Butterflyfish. This species is active, personable, and quickly becomes a bold and confident aquarium inhabitant.

The Vagabond Butterflyfish is not reef safe, as it will readily consume soft coral polyps, zoanthids, tube worms, and small invertebrates. It thrives in fish-only or FOWLR systems and is peaceful toward other fish species. Due to its larger adult size, a tank of 100 gallons or more is recommended. Keep singly or as a mated pair in appropriately sized systems.