Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Kleinii)

Species Name : Chaetodon Kleini

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Gold, White

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6"

Origin : Indonesia, New Caledonia

Family : Chaetodontidae

Minimum Tank Size : 120 gallons

The Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Kleinii), also known as the black-lipped butterflyfish, "blacklip butterflyfish" or Klein's butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae.

This fish has an oval, disc-like shape with a pretty yellowish brown color. There are one or two broad white bands running vertically down the body and many spotted horizontal stripes on the sides. The body is contrasted with a strong black vertical stripe running across the face that has an almost metallic blue hue just above the eye in the adults. It could reach close to 6 inches (15 cm), but will rarely grow over 5 inches (12.5 cm) in the aquarium. 

It may be kept in a 120 gallon or larger aquarium with other butterflyfish, including members of its own species, if they were introduced to the tank at the same time. Be sure to have a top on the aquarium to prevent the butterfly from jumping out if frightened.

The Sunburst Butterflyfish may act peacefully toward other fish. They won't do well with fish that are very aggressive, but they will also nip and pick at fish that are very timid. The Sunburst Butterflyfish may be kept in a reef aquarium, but will eat leather corals and some of the soft corals. 

They may graze on live rock, and often prey on aptasia anemones that may be nuisances in marine aquariums. The diet should consist of meaty items such as fish, crustaceans, mysid shrimp, and frozen marine preparations. It needs to be fed at least three times daily.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"