Chaetodon ephippium
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
SKU:F-BTF-009
Out of stock
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Medium
Peaceful
Not Reef Safe
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish – Chaetodon ephippium
The Saddleback Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon ephippium, is also commonly referred to as the Saddled Butterflyfish or Saddle Butterflyfish. It is one of the most distinctive butterflyfish species, recognized by the large black "saddle" marking across the upper rear portion of its body and dorsal fin, sharply outlined with a bright white border.
The fish also displays attractive orange highlights across the lower half of the face and around its black tail, while the rest of the body is silver-gray with delicate bluish-gray horizontal markings on the lower body. Its graceful swimming style and elegant coloration make it an excellent centerpiece for large marine aquariums.
Key Features
- Distinctive black saddle marking creates a unique and recognizable appearance.
- Beautiful blend of silver-gray, black, white, and orange coloration.
- Active swimmer that brings movement and elegance to large aquariums.
- Excellent choice for spacious fish-only marine systems.
- Adapts well to mature aquariums with stable water conditions.
Aquarium Requirements
- Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 475 liters (125 gallons).
- Requires plenty of open swimming space.
- Provide stable water conditions with regular maintenance.
- Live rock with caves and sheltered areas is recommended for security.
Compatibility & Temperament
| Aggression Level | Semi-peaceful |
| Reef Compatibility | No |
| Coral Compatibility | May feed on most SPS and LPS corals, some soft corals, and invertebrates living on live rock. |
| Fish Compatibility | Compatible with most non-aggressive marine fish. Keep only a single specimen unless introducing a compatible male-female pair together. |
The Saddleback Butterflyfish is best suited for fish-only or FOWLR aquariums. It is not considered reef-safe because it may consume a wide range of corals and sessile invertebrates. A single specimen is generally recommended unless a confirmed compatible pair is introduced simultaneously.
Feeding
The Saddleback Butterflyfish requires a varied, marine-based diet rich in protein to maintain excellent health and encourage consistent feeding behavior.
Recommended foods include:
- Frozen Mysis Shrimp.
- Brine Shrimp.
- Krill.
- Finely chopped clam and crustacean meat.
- Frozen marine foods.
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes.
Reefamorous Tip: Feed several small meals throughout the day and provide a varied diet containing high-quality frozen seafood. Newly imported butterflyfish typically acclimate more successfully when offered frozen Mysis Shrimp and finely chopped shellfish before transitioning to prepared foods.
