Vagabond Butterflyfish - Chaetodon vagabundus

Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus)

The Vagabond Butterflyfish is an attractive and active marine butterflyfish recognised for its pale body covered with fine diagonal striping, bold dark facial band and contrasting yellow and black markings towards the rear of the body. Hardy once established and generally more adaptable than many specialist butterflyfish, it can make an impressive addition to spacious marine aquariums. However, its natural feeding behaviour includes coral polyps and other reef organisms, so it is not considered reliably reef safe.

Common Name:
Vagabond Butterflyfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chaetodon vagabundus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 23 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Vagabond Butterflyfish has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, reef flats and rocky reef environments.

It is commonly associated with shallow reef areas containing plenty of coral and rock structure, where it spends much of its time actively searching for food.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Vagabond Butterflyfish is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but can become territorial towards other butterflyfish, particularly similar species.

Adults may be found in pairs, although keeping a single specimen is often the simplest option in a home aquarium unless a compatible established pair is available.

Diet:
Omnivore / Corallivore

The Vagabond Butterflyfish naturally feeds on coral polyps, algae and a variety of small reef-associated organisms.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped prawn, mussel, specialist butterflyfish foods and quality marine pellets.

Algae-based foods and spirulina can also be included to provide additional dietary variety.

Several smaller meals throughout the day are preferable, particularly while the fish is settling into a new aquarium.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 350 litres

Its adult size and active swimming behaviour mean the Vagabond Butterflyfish benefits from substantial horizontal swimming space alongside established rockwork and shelter.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Vagabond Butterflyfish is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time exploring reef structure and searching rock surfaces for food.

Provide plenty of open swimming room together with caves, overhangs and secure rockwork.

It is generally confident once established but should not be housed with highly aggressive tankmates that may prevent it from feeding comfortably.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Vagabond Butterflyfish should not be considered reliably reef safe.

Coral polyps form part of its natural diet, so hard corals and other sessile reef invertebrates may be picked at or consumed.

It is therefore better suited to fish-only marine aquariums or systems where coral damage is an accepted risk.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space, established rockwork and sheltered areas.

Newly introduced specimens should be monitored carefully to ensure they begin feeding consistently.

Offering a wide selection of frozen and prepared foods can help establish a strong feeding response and maintain good body condition.

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates or excessive competition at feeding time.

Stable water quality, good oxygenation and strong filtration are important for long-term health.

Because this species may feed on coral tissue, it should not be selected for a valuable mixed reef aquarium where coral safety is a priority.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.