Saddle Butterflyfish
NameSaddle Butterflyfish
Scientific NameChaetodon ephippium
Common NamesSaddle Butterflyfish, Black-blotched Butterflyfish, Saddleback Butterflyfish
FamilyChaetodontidae
OriginIndo-Pacific, East Africa, Hawaii, Southern Japan, New South Wales
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)125
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)74-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesLarge Angelfish, Tangs, Damselfish (non-aggressive types), Triggerfish (non-aggressive types), Hawkfish, Pufferfish
Description
The Saddle Butterflyfish is a beautiful marine fish characterized by a large black 'saddle' marking on its back, bordered by a prominent white stripe. It has a yellow snout and fins, with a pale body adorned with subtle blue horizontal stripes on its lower flanks. This species is an active swimmer and can be a striking, albeit challenging, addition to a large fish-only-with-live-rock or FOWLR aquarium.
