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Basics

Scientific Name: Chaetodon vagabundus

Family: Chaetodontidae

Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan: 5-7 years, possibly longer
• Reef Compatible: No
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 9"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Overview

The Vagabond Butterflyfish has a white base color with thin, diagonal grey or black stripes that form a chevron pattern. It has thick black vertical bands on the side of it's face and on it's bright yellow tail. It has more fine, chevron-like lines along the front of it's face in a pale orange color. 

In the wild, they feed on algae and coral polyps, making them unsafe for reef tanks. They are not generally aggressive towards other species but may be territorial towards similar-looking butterflyfish, and can hold their own against more aggressive tankmates. They should be fed mostly meaty preparations supplemented with some herbivorous food.