Larvatus Butterfly (EXPERT) (Chaetodon Larvatus)

Larvatus Butterfly
Also Known As: Red Sea Butterflyfish, Hooded Butterflyfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The "hooded" nickname is the tell here: the Larvatus wears a bold orange face hooded by oa dark silver body, and that high-contrast mask makes it one of the more instantly recognizable butterflies you'll come across. It's a rare one, direct from the Red Sea and uncommon in the trade, which lands it squarely in collector territory for advanced keepers. As with its Red Sea relatives, though, the striking looks come with strings attached. It feeds heavily on coral polyps and small benthic foods in the wild, making it an expert-level fish with specialized dietary needs and a sensitivity to shipping, acclimation, and long-term stability. The coral feeding also settles the reef question: this is a not-reef-safe fish rather than a "with caution" one, better suited to an expert-managed fish-only or carefully planned system than a mixed coral display. Temperament is peaceful toward dissimilar tankmates, and it usually does best among calm species like tangs, wrasses, and Anthias, but it stresses under aggressive company or a rough acclimation, so a settled, mellow tank goes a long way.

Aquarium Requirements
The formula is the same as the other Red Sea specialists: maturity, stability, and relentless attention to feeding. For specimens in the 2.5 to 4 inch range, plan on a tank around 120 gallons or larger with a long footprint, strong well-oxygenated flow, and excellent filtration, and make sure the system is biologically mature before this fish goes in, since it can decline fast if conditions slip. Feeding is the real work: as a specialized coral grazer it needs frequent, varied meals, several times a day, of mysis, finely chopped seafood, and enriched frozen preparations. Combined with a tricky acclimation and its sensitivity to water quality, that's what earns it the expert-level label.

One important note on live arrival: because of its specialized coral-based diet and environmental sensitivity, we guarantee the Larvatus for live arrival only. Please be sure your system and feeding plan are ready before ordering.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 2.5–4"
Diet: Specialized coral feeder; coral polyps, small benthic foods, enriched mysis, frozen preparations, and finely chopped seafood
Origin: Red Sea
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: No
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Special Considerations: Very rare and direct from the Red Sea; an obligate coral feeder, making it an expert-only fish with a highly specialized diet; sensitive to shipping and unstable conditions and guaranteed for live arrival only; not reef safe, as it feeds on coral polyps