Semion Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Semion)

The Semion Butterflyfish is a rare and exquisite species, admired for its vibrant coloration and unique pattern. With its bold yellow body, black eye band, and striking black-edged white stripes, this butterflyfish is a visually stunning addition to larger, mature aquariums. Known to be challenging to keep, it requires a stable environment, specialized diet, and careful tankmate selection. Due to its rarity and specific care needs, the Semion Butterflyfish is best suited for experienced aquarists.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5.5 inches.
• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum; requires plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on coral polyps, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, it may be difficult to adapt to prepared foods but can be fed a mix of live foods, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, sponge-based diets, and finely chopped marine fare.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; generally non-aggressive but may show territorial behavior toward other butterflyfish.
• Skill Level: Advanced; requires a stable, mature tank with excellent water quality and a specialized feeding regimen.
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe; known to nip at corals, particularly soft corals, polyps, and clams, making it better suited for fish-only setups.

Special Feature - Rare and Striking Appearance
The Semion Butterflyfish is prized for its rarity and distinctive pattern. Its bold black-edged white stripes and yellow body create a visually stunning contrast, making it a centerpiece in any tank. Its rarity makes it highly sought after by advanced aquarists.

Compatibility
This butterflyfish is peaceful and does well with other non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing it with highly territorial or predatory fish. It thrives in tanks with plenty of live rock and stable conditions.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Semion Butterflyfish features a vibrant yellow body with bold, black-edged white stripes and a black eye band. Its unique pattern and colors make it one of the most striking butterflyfish species available​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral-rich reef areas where it grazes on polyps and invertebrates. In aquariums, it requires stable conditions, live rock for grazing, and a mature ecosystem.