Common name: Arabian butterflyfish

General information

The Blackback Butterflyfish, Chaetodon melapterus, is a striking species known for its distinctive black back and white body. This contrast, along with the yellow on the fins and the black eye band, makes it a visually appealing addition to any aquarium. It is a member of the family Chaetodontidae, which is known for its colorful and diverse species.

Care

Chaetodon melapterus requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at soft and stony corals as well as sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flake or pellet food is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blackback Butterflyfish are pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs into the water column where fertilization occurs. The eggs are then left to drift in the currents. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging, but maintaining a pair in a species-specific tank with stable conditions may encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Blackback Butterflyfish includes the Western Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to South Africa, and east to the Andaman Sea. They are typically found in shallow reefs and lagoons, often in pairs or small groups.