Chaetodon trifasciatus
Melon Butterflyfish EXPERT ONLY
Melon Butterflyfish EXPERT ONLY
SKU:F-BTF-011
Low stock: 1 left
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Expert
Peaceful
Not Reef Safe
Melon Butterflyfish
Melon Butterflyfish – Chaetodon trifasciatus
The Melon Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon trifasciatus, is also known as the Indian Redfin Butterflyfish, Pinstriped Butterflyfish, or Purple Butterflyfish. It is one of the most elegant and visually striking butterflyfish species found throughout the tropical reefs of the Indo-Pacific.
Its body displays soft lavender to light purple coloration covered with fine diagonal violet stripes extending from the gill cover to the tail. A distinctive melon-orange anal fin, a dark patch on the upper body, a broad black eye band, and subtle orange highlights around the head and chest combine to create an exceptionally refined appearance.
Key Features
- Elegant blend of soft lavender, purple, and melon-orange coloration.
- Fine diagonal striping creates a refined and distinctive appearance.
- One of the most beautiful and sought-after butterflyfish species.
- Active swimmer that adds elegance and movement to large marine aquariums.
Aquarium Requirements
- Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 475 liters (125 gallons).
- Requires ample open swimming space.
- Provide abundant live rock with caves and sheltered areas.
- Requires excellent water quality and efficient filtration.
- A compatible male-female pair may be kept together, while individuals of the same sex may become aggressive toward one another.
Compatibility & Temperament
| Aggression Level | Semi-aggressive |
| Reef Compatibility | No |
| Coral Compatibility | Feeds on coral polyps, particularly SPS corals, and may also nip at Tridacna clams and sea anemones. |
| Fish Compatibility | Compatible with most peaceful to moderately active marine fish. |
The Melon Butterflyfish is not recommended for reef aquariums because it naturally feeds on coral polyps. It is best suited to spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) aquariums where its natural feeding behavior will not damage valuable corals or giant clams.
Feeding
The Melon Butterflyfish requires a varied, nutrient-rich diet and should be fed several times daily to encourage consistent feeding and maintain optimal health.
Recommended foods include:
- Frozen Mysis Shrimp.
- Brine Shrimp.
- Frozen marine foods.
- Finely chopped clam and crustacean meat.
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes.
Reefamorous Tip: Offer multiple small feedings throughout the day and provide a varied diet rich in marine-based foods. Newly imported specimens often acclimate more successfully when offered frozen Mysis Shrimp and finely chopped seafood before transitioning to prepared foods.
