Arabian Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melapterus)

The Arabian Butterflyfish offered by LiveAquaria® is a rare Butterflyfish that can be found in nature along shallow reef coastlines of the Western Indian Ocean. Chaetodon melapterus is majestically colored with a yellow-orange body. Its head is yellow and has dark vertical bands displaying across it. Its dorsal, anal and caudal fins are black in color. This saltwater specimen is also referred to as the Blackfin Butterflyfish.

This Butterflyfish should be housed in a well-established aquarium with plenty of room to swim. The addition of live rock will provide it hiding places and grazing opportunities. A generally peaceful species, if a pair is housed, they should be added simultaneously to the aquarium. This fish is best for a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquarium, as it will feed on coral polyps and considers some saltwater invertebrates food.

The Arabian Butterflyfish forms pairs during breeding and is oviparous.

This member of the Chaetodontidae family is an omnivore. It is efficient in seeking out food, due to the shape of its mouth and hairlike teeth that allow it to access small spaces to eat Aiptasia and other small foods. In addition to this algae, it will accept most frozen meaty preparations and other algae based foods.

Approximate Shipping Size: 3" to 4"

Care details

• Temperature: 75 - 82° F
• dKH: 8 - 12
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Color: White, Yellow and Black
• Family: Chaetodontidae
• Diet: Omnivore