Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ulietensis) Care Guide
Chaetodon ulietensis is an Indo-Pacific butterflyfish with two black dorsal saddles and a yellow rear, foraging widely over coral-rich reefs.
Overview
Chaetodon ulietensis is a marine butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae described by Cuvier in 1831. It has a white body with vertical black lines, two dark saddles on the back, a bright yellow posterior and tail, and a black caudal-peduncle spot. It is a comparatively large, wide-ranging Pacific butterflyfish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Chaetodon
- Scientific name: Chaetodon ulietensis Cuvier, 1831
Habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Tuamotu Islands, north to Japan. Adults inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon reefs and, less commonly, seaward reefs, while juveniles occupy harbours and estuaries. FishBase reports a depth range of 0 to 40 m.
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: 15-20 cm (15 cm TL per FishBase)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Chaetodon ulietensis is omnivorous, consuming both plant and animal material including microscopic algae, plankton and small sessile invertebrates. FishBase assigns it a relatively low trophic level of 2.7.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and mid-water swimming, found singly or in pairs and described as non-territorial. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses and other large peaceful fish; aggressive triggerfish and reef tanks with LPS and soft corals should be avoided.
Breeding
Chaetodon ulietensis is oviparous and monogamous with distinct pairing. Captive breeding is not commonly achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).