Common name: Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish

Scientific name: Chaetodon ulietensis Cuvier, 1831
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish Chaetodon ulietensis - tropical fish

Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish
Tropical fish with sunlight underwater in the pacific ocean (shoal of Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish), French PolynesiaPacific double-saddle butterflyfish Chaetodon ulietensis fish underwater in sea

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
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodontidae
  6. Genus
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodon
  7. Species
    Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish
    Chaetodon ulietensis Cuvier, 1831
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon aurora De Vis, 1884
    Chaetodon ulientensis Cuvier, 1831
    Chaetodon 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.