Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish 

Also known as Addis Butterflyfish, Golden Butterflyfish

The Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish is a stunning and rare species endemic to the Red Sea, displaying brilliant golden-yellow coloration with blue-edged scales creating a masked appearance. This spectacular butterflyfish is highly prized by collectors but requires advanced care and dedication.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon semilarvatus
• Common Names: Semilarvatus Butterflyfish, Addis Butterflyfish, Golden Butterflyfish
• Adult Size: Up to 9 inches
• Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial toward other butterflyfish
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; obligate coral feeder
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; 180+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Advanced; challenging to maintain long-term

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide extensive live rock with abundant hiding places and territories. This species requires well-established fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock systems. Should not be kept in reef aquariums.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Pristine water quality is essential
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • High-quality protein skimmer
  • Excellent filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation
  • UV sterilizer recommended Maintaining exceptional water quality is critical for this sensitive species.

Diet & Feeding 

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish are challenging to feed in captivity. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets (difficult to train onto)
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped clams, marine cuisine, coral-based foods
• Live Foods: Live blackworms, live brine shrimp, live coral polyps (may be necessary initially)
• Specialty Foods: Frozen coral foods, sponge-based preparations
• Feeding Frequency: 3-4 times daily once eating consistently
• Special Note: Obligate coral feeder in the wild; very difficult to wean onto aquarium foods

Notes & Considerations

• One of the most beautiful butterflyfish
• Obligate coral feeder that naturally feeds on stony coral polyps; not suitable for reef aquariums.
• Red Sea endemic; limited availability and higher price reflect collection difficulty.
• Very sensitive to water quality fluctuations and prone to disease.
• Territorial toward other butterflyfish; provide ample space.
• Generally peaceful toward non-butterflyfish species.
• Secure aquarium lid essential; can jump when stressed.
• Not recommended for aquariums less than one year old.
• Best kept by experienced aquarists with dedication to specialized feeding.
• Stunning golden coloration is most intense in well-maintained specimens.
• Often does better in pairs or small groups in very large systems.

Why Choose a Quarantined Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish? 

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and critically, conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale. Given this species’ extreme feeding challenges, quarantined specimens offer significantly better chances of long-term success.