Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis)

Description

The Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), also known as the Yellow Pyramid or Yellow Zoster Butterflyfish, is peaceful and visually striking. Unlike some finicky butterflyfish, it is hardy and readily accepts prepared foods, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.

Its body has a central white or pale yellow triangular "pyramid" shape, bright yellow fins, and a dark head and pectoral region. In the wild, they school in open water, feeding on plankton. This behavior and diet make them one of the few truly reef-safe butterflyfish.

Care Information

Aquarium Requirements

• Tank Size: 120–125 gallons minimum for active swimming and reduced stress.
• Habitat: Ample live rock for hiding, though they prefer swimming in the water column.
• Water Parameters: Stable water quality is key.
  • Temperature: 72°F – 78°F
  • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.026 s.g.
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH

Diet and Feeding

Pyramid Butterflyfish are opportunistic omnivores that feed on plankton. They are easy to feed compared to other butterflyfish.

• Recommended Foods: Varied diet of meaty and vegetable foods, including frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton, freeze-dried foods, and dried flake or pellet food.
• Feeding Frequency: Several small feedings per day to meet their high metabolism.

Compatibility and Reef Safety

• Social: Highly peaceful; can be kept singly, as a pair, or in small schools in large tanks (180+ gallons). Avoid aggressive tank mates.
• Reef Safety: One of the safest butterflyfish for reefs. Rarely nip at stony corals, but may occasionally nip at Xenia or soft corals if underfed.