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.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 18 cm (7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy May nip at soft corals
- Diet
- Omnivore Prefers varied diet, incl. algae
- Social
- Pair Pairs are often monogamous
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusButterflyfishChaetodon
- SpeciesArabian butterflyfishChaetodon melapterus Guichenot, 1863
- SynonymsChaetodon melanopterus Playfair, 1867Chaetodon trifasciatus arabica Steindachner, 1899Choetodon melapterus Guichenot, 1863
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.