Common name: Multispine damselfish
General information
The Blackback Butterflyfish, Neoglyphidodon polyacanthus, is a striking species known for its bold coloration and active behavior. This species is not as commonly kept as some other butterflyfish due to its more challenging care requirements and potential aggressiveness. Juveniles display a vibrant blue color with a black dorsal area which transitions to a more subdued coloration with age.
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
- 17 cm (7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet promotes health.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially as adult.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusDamsel FishNeoglyphidodon
- SpeciesMultispine damselfishNeoglyphidodon polyacanthus (Ogilby, 1889)
- SynonymsGlyphidodon polyacanthus Ogilby, 1889Glyphisodon polyacanthus Ogilby, 1889Paraglyphidodon polyacanthus (Ogilby, 1889)
Care
Neoglyphidodon polyacanthus can be a challenging species to keep in home aquariums. They require a larger tank with plenty of swimming space and well-established live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not considered reef-safe as they have a tendency to nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, marine flakes, and pellets is necessary for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blackback Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during breeding. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Breeding them in captivity is quite difficult and not commonly achieved by hobbyists.
Habitat
This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, swimming actively during the day.