Butterfly - Saddle Back

*This fish is a marine species*

The Saddleback Butterflyfish is suited for the intermediate aquarist. It is a semi-aggressive species and is also referred to as the Saddled Butterflyfish. It has a mixture of colours with a black saddle on the upper body and dorsal fin which is outlined in white.

This species is native to many areas within the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Features of Saddleback Butterflyfish

• Orange, black, white, grey and blue in colour
• Grows up to 22cm
• Care level: Moderate
• Semi-aggressive
• Saddle shape on back

 

Tank Mate Compatibility:

Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates for your Saddleback Butterflyfish:

• Clownfish
• Gobies
• Fairy wrasses
• Dartfish

They are a good match with many other peaceful fish. The Saddleback Butterflyfish should not be housed with other butterflyfish unless as an introduced pair. They are not reef safe as they nip at corals and small invertebrates.

 

Feeding:

Saddleback Butterflyfish are omnivores so their diet should consist of a variety of live foods and vegetable based foods. This could include Mysis shrimp, black worms and flake foods including spirulina.

 

Equipment:

Aquarium:

Saddleback Butterflyfish require a minimum tank size of approximately 350L as they are active swimmers and require large open areas to swim. They also like places to hide and feed in crevices so rocks are a great addition along with some algae growth.

After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse our Aquarium Tank Selection here.

Heater:

Saddleback Butterflyfish prefer water temperatures between 22°C - 27°C.

Looking for a Heater for your fish? Check all available Tank Heater here.

Lighting:

Replicate natural conditions with artificial lighting (8-10 hours of light every 24 hours.)

Need An Aquarium Light for your tank? Browse our Fish Tank Aquarium Lighting

Filtration & Water Movement:

Saddleback Butterflyfish require good filtration and water quality. This fish prefers slow moving water but will tolerate strong flow.

Explore aquarium filtration products here.

Substrate:

This species prefers a substrate mix of sand, coral and rubble. Also include live rock and plenty of hiding spaces.

View our range of aquarium substrates here.

 

Decorations for Saddleback Butterflyfish:

Lots of well-developed live rock with crevices and overhang. They also like places to hide and feed in crevices so rocks are a great addition.

View our large range of aquarium decorations here.