Butterflyfish – Saddleback

Saddleback Butterflyfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  100 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 22.5cm (9″)

Diet: Carnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Chaetodon Ephippium

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution (May prey upon crustaceans)

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The saddleback butterflyfish, scientific name Chaetodon Ephippium is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 100 gallons. Saddleback butterflyfish can grow up to 9” and can live up to 10 years. Saddleback butterflyfish are carnivores. Saddleback butterflyfish can live alone, in pairs or in small groups if there is adequate space. Saddleback butterflyfish are not coral safe and will nip at invertebrates (as they mature they may prey upon crustaceans). During the day they will swim out in the open and will hide in caves to sleep. The saddleback butterflyfish is also referred to as the saddle butterflyfish.