General information - The Saddled Butterflyfish is a very popular fish among saltwater fish keepers.

This beautiful fish is very hard to acclimate but after it is successfully acclimated it will

become quite hardy fish.

Some individuals readily acclimate, while others have difficulty.

Medium sized specimens tend to acclimate better than tiny individuals or large adultsIn the wild, it is

normally found in the shallower waters or inside the reef.

Most of the time when we find this fish we find it in pairs. Like most fish in the Butterfly Fish Family,

the Chaetodon ephippium spends most of it  time during the day picking at coral polyps and also

eat fan worms.     

The  Saddled Butterflyfish is not recommended to keep in reef tank.      

Common Name - Saddled Butterflyfish, Saddle-Marked Butterfly 

Scientific Name - Chaetodon ephippium 

Family - Chaetodontidae 

Origin - Indo-Pacific 

Size – up to 24cm (9 1/2 inches) 

First discovered - Cuvier, 1831 

Nutrition –omnivores, in the wild they feed on filamentous algae, small invertebrates, sponges,

hard coral polyps and fish eggs. In home tank once acclimated the Saddled Butterflyfish will accept

Meaty foods, shrimps, nori algae, commercial food contains sponge and algae should also be provided. 

Behavior – Semi-aggressive, can be aggressive to other members of its own kind. 

Maintenance and care – Requires minimum 100 gallon tank size with plenty of places to hide and swim.

once acclimated the Saddled Butterflyfish is easy to keep. Water changes on a monthly basis and

suitable protein skimmer are essential.        

Water Parameters – temperature: 73 F-79 F (23 C - 26 C), PH: 8.1 – 8.4, specific gravity: 1.017-1.026. 

Breeding – Not currently bred in captivity.