Arabian Butterflyfish

(Chaetodon melapterus)

Chaetodon Butterflyfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and hiding. Chaetodon Butterflyfish may pick at corals and crustaceans. A diet of meaty and algae based foods should be provided multiple times daily. Multiples can be added simutaneously to a large aquarium. Chaetodon Butterflyfish tend to be shy and peaceful but can become territorial if their aquarium is to small.

The Arabian Butterflyfish is also known as the Blackfin or Black-Finned Melon Butterflyfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. The Arabian Butterflyfish is an incredibly beautiful fish with its contrasting mainly a bright yellow to orange body and jet black dorsal, anal and tail fins. This beauty sports three black stripes on its face. Arabian Butterflyfish can grow to 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareDifficultDifficult CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium