Yellowhead Butterflyfish

Chaetodon xanthocephalus

Not Reef Safe

The Yellowhead Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthocephalus) is a rare and eye-catching species, notable for its brilliant yellow head and predominantly pearl-white body. This butterflyfish typically dwells at depths of around 20 meters. Its appearance is highlighted by gray-blue chevron markings and a vivid golden outline along the body’s edges, giving it a refined and elegant presence in any display tank.

A single Yellowhead Butterflyfish requires an aquarium of at least 125 gallons, ideally set up as a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) system. Provide a spacious layout with plenty of live rock for grazing and swimming, alongside strong water movement and pristine water conditions. Due to its naturally solitary behavior and territorial tendencies, it’s best housed alone unless introducing a pre-established male-female pair simultaneously.

While visually stunning, the Yellowhead Butterflyfish is not suitable for reef aquariums, as it is known to consume stony corals, select soft corals, and various invertebrates found within live rock environments. This species is best kept with other peaceful, similarly sized tankmates in a well-maintained, coral-free setup.

These fish are for saltwater aquariums only.

Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image.

Measurements are measured from the tip of the head to end of the tail. 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Phase Small: up to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Transitional Phase Small: 2"-3";  Adult Small: 3" to 4"; Medium: 4" to 5"; Large: 5"+

For acclimation details see here.