Pyramid Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys polylepis

Pyramid Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys polylepis

The Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) is a peaceful and highly sought-after butterflyfish known for its elegant triangular body shape and crisp black, white, and yellow coloration. Unlike many butterflyfish species, the Pyramid Butterflyfish is considered reef safe, as it feeds primarily on plankton rather than coral polyps.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, this species is often found schooling in the wild and does best in larger, established aquariums, where it has ample swimming space. Its calm temperament makes it an excellent addition to community reef systems, especially when kept in pairs or small groups.

Hardy once acclimated and relatively easy to feed, the Pyramid Butterflyfish readily accepts frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty planktonic offerings. With proper care and stable water conditions, it becomes a graceful and eye-catching showpiece fish.

Care Information

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef Safe: Yes (with caution)

• Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
  (Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, high-quality frozen foods)

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

• Adult Size: Up to 7 inches

• Swimming Space: Requires open swimming areas

• Compatibility: Excellent with other peaceful reef fish

• Best Kept: Singly, in pairs, or small groups in large systems

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Origin: Indo-Pacific