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Suggested Tank
120+ gallons
Max Size
7 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A disc-shaped butterflyfish with a white to pale-yellow body crossed by fine black diagonal stripes, bright yellow fins and a black eye band, plus the namesake dark saddle across the back that can pale at night or under stress. It is generally peaceful with non-butterflyfish tankmates but squabbles with conspecifics and similar-shaped fish, so keep singly or as an established pair in a 120-gallon or larger tank with plenty of rockwork and open swimming lanes. It is an obligate corallivore in nature that readily nips soft corals, especially Xenia and other pulsing soft corals, and zoanthids, so it belongs in a fish-only or aggressive-soft-coral-free system and needs frequent feedings of meaty foods to stay conditioned.
Reef Safe
No
Environment
The Blackback Butterflyfish needs a large tank with plenty of open swimming space, as well as hiding spots. They prefer a well-lit tank with moderate to strong water movement. It is important to provide a varied diet to keep this fish healthy.
Behavior
The Blackback Butterflyfish is a peaceful fish that is generally not aggressive towards other species. It is a good community fish but may be territorial with its own kind. This species is also known to be a bit shy, often hiding amongst the rockwork and vegetation.
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Owner Reviews
Christian
@Christian27484
Relatively easy to get eating and unproblematic for a butterflyfish. Gorgeous yellow outline with black lines on its back. Great fish.
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Blackback Butterflyfish
Chaetodon melannotus
