Chaetodon ephippium
| Identification | White-yellow body with a large dark grey-black saddle-shaped patch on the rear upper body. Blue horizontal stripe above the saddle. Distinctive orange-yellow tail. |
| Maximum Length | 9 inches |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific — Red Sea, Hawaii, Japan, Great Barrier Reef |
| Minimum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | No — will pick at coral polyps, anemones, and soft corals |
Behavior
The Saddleback Butterfly is a bold, personable fish that quickly becomes a centerpiece of any FOWLR (fish only with live rock) aquarium. It is active during the day and generally hardy once acclimated. It tends to be bolder and less timid than many other butterflies, often approaching the front glass when its keeper is nearby. It can be kept with a wide variety of non-aggressive fish and is not particularly aggressive itself, though it may squabble with other butterflies.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivore. In the wild feeds on coral polyps, anemones, algae, and small invertebrates. In captivity transition to a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, meaty marine foods, nori, and quality butterfly fish preparations. Can be finicky initially — live feeder shrimp or coral polyps may be needed to trigger feeding.
Cautions
Not reef safe — will nip at and consume LPS corals, soft corals, and anemones. Suitable for FOWLR tanks only. New arrivals can be picky eaters; patience and variety are key to successful acclimation. Sensitive to poor water quality.