Common name: Saddle butterflyfish

General information

The Saddleback Butterflyfish, Chaetodon ephippium, is a striking species known for its bold coloration and distinctive saddle-shaped band. This band, which crosses the back and the caudal peduncle, gives the fish its common name. The body is primarily silver-white with a black vertical band through the eye, and another at the base of the tail fin. Adults can also display a beautiful orange hue around the saddle.

This species is not as commonly kept as some other butterflyfish due to its specific dietary requirements and sensitivity to captive conditions. However, for advanced hobbyists, it can be a rewarding challenge.

Care

Saddleback Butterflyfish require a large, well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not reef-safe as they tend to nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. A varied diet is crucial, with a focus on sponges, tunicates, and other benthic invertebrates. They may also accept high-quality frozen and dried preparations that include marine algae and spirulina.

Reproduction

In the wild, Saddleback Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the larvae in captivity is challenging due to their planktonic nature and specific dietary needs.

Habitat

Saddleback Butterflyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Andaman Sea to northern Australia and east to Fiji and the Pitcairn Group. They prefer coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, typically at depths of 2 to 30 meters. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, swimming close to the reef structure.