Common name: Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish
General information
The Double Saddle Butterflyfish, also known as the Uliete Butterflyfish, is a striking species known for its unique coloration and patterns. It has a white to yellowish body with two distinct black saddles and a black vertical band through the eye. This species is part of the Chaetodontidae family, which is known for its diverse and colorful members.
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 territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially in pairs
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusButterflyfishChaetodon
- SpeciesPacific double-saddle butterflyfishChaetodon ulietensis Cuvier, 1831
- SynonymsChaetodon aurora De Vis, 1884Chaetodon ulientensis Cuvier, 1831Chaetodon ulietensis confluens Ahl, 1923
Care
The Double Saddle Butterflyfish is considered moderately difficult to care for due to its specific dietary and environmental needs. It requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is not considered reef-safe as it may nip at stony and soft corals, as well as sessile invertebrates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Double Saddle Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic and will settle into the reef after several weeks.
Habitat
This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, swimming close to the reef structure.