Vagabond Butterfly (Indian Ocean)

The alluring Indian Ocean Vagabond butterfly has a delightful criss-cross pattern overtop its shimmering white body and an inky black stripe through its eyes. Its tail is bright lemon yellow with a black stripe. It can be differentiated from the similar Philippines Vagabond by the dark crescent shadowing its rear body. It grows up to 8 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.

This species is hardy and makes a great beginner's butterflyfish. It is normally quite peaceful, and if added first it may be kept with aggressive tank mates. It can be kept singly or in pairs which should be added at the same time to a large aquarium. Butterflyfish do not show differences between males and females. They are related to angelfish, but lack the angel's distinctive cheek spines.

A butterflyfish's favorite food is an anemone, so they should not be kept in the same aquarium with one unless it is guarded by aggressive clownfish. The butterflyfish knows to attack the anemone on its mouth, which does not sting, and will make a quick meal of it. It will also benefit from filamentous algae in the aquarium to graze on.

This species may nip on many types of corals, clam mantles, sponges, and feather dusters. They do not typically bother other types of invertebrates such as crustaceans. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. This species is easy to feed on a variety of meaty and herbivore preparations such as frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, marine algae and Spirulina; it should be fed 2-3 times a day.