Zoster Butterflyfish

Commonly referred to as the Black Pyramid Butterflyfish, the Zoster is a striking deep-water species that breaks the typical "butterflyfish" mold. Its body is almost entirely jet-black, interrupted by a wide, bright white vertical band across the middle and a yellow-tinged dorsal fin. Unlike many of its relatives, the Zoster is a planktivore, meaning it feeds on organisms drifting in the water column rather than picking at coral polyps. This behavior makes it one of the most "reef-safe" butterflyfish available. They are very active swimmers and thrive when kept in small groups, which creates a dramatic visual effect as they shoal together above the reef.