Pyramid
butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys
polylepis) are members of the
family Chaetodontidae. This family
consists of over 120 species in 10 genera. Pyramids make their home in
the
Central Pacific and eastern Indian
Oceans.
Their habitat ranges form the Great Barrier Reef north
to Japan
and
east to Hawaii. Large shoals of
this species congregate around outer reef areas near oceanic drops-offs
in
depths from 10 to 200.
Pyramids are
medium size
fish. They can reach an adult length of up to 7
inches. They are narrow in width with a roughly triangularly shaped
profile.
This fish’s name derives from the white pyramid that begins
on the underbellies
on both side of their bodies and terminates just below their dorsal
fin. They
have a white and yellow color palette with white caudal fins. Juveniles
have
yellow heads. As the fish mature this yellow will darken to a brown or
a deep
purplish brown in color. Pyramid
Butterflyfish are
frequently sold by retailers
under the
name Yellow Zoster Butterfly.
Butterflyfish are
reputed
to be hard to maintain. They are notoriously
unsuitable for marine reef tanks. The pyramid falls into neither of
these
categories. Pyramids have a moderate
rather than difficult care level
and are
considered reef safe provided they have
an adequate food supply. This
is a
superbly adaptable species. These fish will acclimate quickly to their
new
surroundings and will thrive under a variety of conditions. This is not
a
quarrelsome species. They lack the innate aggression present in many
butterflyfish
but are assertive enough to be housed with semi-aggressive tank mates.
They are
not prone to hunger strikes when first introduced to a new aquarium and
will
readily accept common variety fish foods. Pyramids have been reported
to live
up to 12 years in captivity.
This is a
shoaling species
and should not be kept as a solitary specimen. A
group of no less than four is recommended. They will not squabble
amongst
themselves or with other members of the community if they are housed in
spacious surroundings with adequate hiding places. A 100 gallon or
larger tank
will provide them with the room they need to feel at home.
Pyramid
butterflies are
omnivorous. In their natural habitat they are
primarily planktonic feeders. The water columns they derive their
nutrition
from in the wild are comprised of miniscule and microscopic
crustaceans,
plants, algae, archaea and bacteria.
In captivity
pyramids are
not finicky eaters. They will eat flake food and
pellets. As with any marine specimen a varied diet will maintain
general
health, color and vigor. Frozen and freeze dried food preparations that
contain
a good percentage of algae are adequate supplements. Vitamin enriched
brine and
mysis shrimp should also be on the menu. Dried algae sheets will help
insure that
these fish do not suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Pyramids should
be fed
2-3 times daily. An adequate supply of well established living rock
will provide
them with healthy snack food between feedings. An underfed pyramid may
resort
to nibbling on Xenia
and other soft
corals.
Environmental Parameters
|
Temperature
|
pH Level |
Specific Gravity |
| 72-78
°F |
8.2-8.4 |
1.020-1.025 |
