Black-back Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) Care Guide
Chaetodon melannotus is a widespread Indo-Pacific butterflyfish that can darken its back when alarmed and feeds primarily on coral polyps.
Overview
Chaetodon melannotus is a marine butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae described by Bloch and Schneider in 1801. It has a white body with diagonal lines and a black dorsal saddle. The species can change colour: when frightened or at night the dorsal portion turns black, except for two white patches.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Chaetodon
- Scientific name: Chaetodon melannotus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Habitat
The species ranges widely across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. It is usually solitary or in pairs in coral-rich areas of reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs, generally at depths of 4 to 20 metres around staghorn coral thickets.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dKH
- Adult size: 16-18 cm (commonly to 18 cm)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years (reported up to 20 years)
Diet
Chaetodon melannotus feeds primarily on the polyps of soft (octocorallian) and hard (scleractinian) corals. This obligate coral-polyp diet makes it unsuitable for reef aquaria.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and mid-water swimming. It is usually solitary outside the breeding season, with pairs more common during breeding. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses and other large peaceful fish; aggressive triggerfish and tanks with LPS and soft corals should be avoided.
Breeding
Chaetodon melannotus is oviparous and forms monogamous pairs during breeding. Captive breeding is not commonly achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).