Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish

Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis)

The Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish, also known as the Yellow Zoster Butterflyfish, is commonly found in large numbers among the reefs of the Indian Ocean. It has yellow fins and a mostly white body, with the white coloration forming a triangle with the yellow fins, which gives it its common name. The head area is black, which helps these fish camouflage themselves in the wild. In their natural habitat, Pyramid Butterflyfish feed on plankton and are safe for reef aquariums.

Initially quite shy, the Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish should be provided with multiple hiding places. The ideal aquarium should be at least 125 gallons and contain plenty of live rock to provide both hiding places and a supplemental food source. They can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups. If underfed, the Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish may occasionally pick at Xenia or other soft corals. It is recommended to feed them several times daily.

The diet of the Yellow Pyramid Butterflyfish should include frozen and freeze-dried foods containing algae, supplemented with dried algae, and vitamin-enriched brine and mysis shrimp.