🐠 Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus)
Marine Butterflyfish • Coral Reef Grazer • Corallivore Specialist • Advanced Display Species
 
📋 The Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) is a classic reef butterflyfish recognized for its striking pinstriped pattern and contrasting fin edges. The body shows pinkish-yellow tones crossed by fine oblique purple stripes, with the anal, dorsal, and caudal fins edged in black and red, creating a crisp, high-contrast look that stands out on Pacific coral reefs. reef.org+1
In the wild it is a strict corallivore specialist, feeding heavily on the polyps of branching and plate corals. Because of this, the species is not reef safe in captivity and is best suited to fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock systems. Adapting the Redfin Butterflyfish to accept frozen and prepared foods can be challenging, which is why it is recommended only for experienced marine keepers familiar with delicate butterflyfish. Wikipedia+1
On the reef, Redfin Butterflyfish are active reef grazers, cruising in pairs or small groups along coral ridges and outer slopes. In aquariums they require strong, stable water quality, mature rockwork for security, and plenty of swimming space in the midwater column. When established correctly, they become an impressive advanced display species, showcasing natural foraging behavior and elegant, continuous motion.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Striking Pinstriped Pattern: Pink–yellow body with purple oblique stripes
⚪ Redfin Accents: Black-edged fins with warm red anal and caudal highlights
📏 Medium Display Size: Grows to around 15 cm in the aquarium
✅ Advanced Display Species: Best for experienced marine keepers
🐠 Active Reef Grazer: Natural coral-reef butterflyfish with constant movement