Description
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The Black Back Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) is a species of marine fish that belongs to the family Chaetodontidae. It is also known by other common names, such as Blackback Butterflyfish, Blackbacked Butterflyfish, and Black-backed Coralfish.
Here are some key characteristics of the Black Back Butterflyfish:
Appearance: The Black Back Butterflyfish has a distinctive black body with a yellow or white posterior and dorsal fin. The black coloration covers most of its body, starting from the base of the dorsal fin and extending to the caudal fin.
Size: These butterflyfish typically grow to a maximum length of around 20 centimeters (8 inches) in the wild.
Range and Habitat: The Black Back Butterflyfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and various islands in the western Pacific Ocean. They inhabit coral reefs, usually in areas with rich coral growth.
Behavior: Like other butterflyfish species, the Black Back Butterflyfish is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, and they feed on a diet consisting mainly of coral polyps, algae, and small invertebrates.
Compatibility: While they may be territorial towards their own species, Black Back Butterflyfish are generally peaceful and can be kept in a reef aquarium with other non-aggressive fish species. It's important to provide them with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing.
Aquarium Care: If you plan to keep Black Back Butterflyfish in an aquarium, it should be of adequate size (at least 100 gallons) to provide them with enough swimming space. They require a well-maintained reef environment with stable water parameters and a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and plant matter.
- Care level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Reef Compatible: No
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
- Size: Large 3"-4"