Common name: Hawaiian gold-barred butterflyfish
General information
The Highfin Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Roa excelsa, is a striking species admired for its elegant appearance and graceful swimming behavior. This fish is characterized by its high dorsal fin and the contrast of its white body with dark vertical bands. It is a member of the butterflyfish family, which is known for its diversity and beauty.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers mysis and brine shrimp.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to similar fish.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusRoa ButterflyfishRoa
- SpeciesHawaiian gold-barred butterflyfishRoa excelsa (Jordan, 1921)
- SynonymsChaetodon excelsa (Jordan, 1921)Heniochus excelsa (Jordan, 1923)Loa excelsa Jordan, 1921
Care
Roa excelsa requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places among live rock. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with other butterflyfish. A varied diet of meaty foods, including marine fish, crustaceans, and mysis shrimp, is essential for their health. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at coral polyps and sessile invertebrates.
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Roa excelsa in the wild or in captivity. They are presumed to be broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.
Habitat
Roa excelsa is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and are often observed at depths ranging from 10 to 75 meters, where they swim in pairs or small groups.