{"product_id":"saddleback-butterflyfish-chaetodon-ephippium-sdc","title":"Saddleback Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Saddleback Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon ephippium\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking marine aquarium fish recognized by its large black saddle-shaped marking across the upper rear body, bordered in bright white, along with a yellow snout, warm orange accents, and fine blue horizontal lines along the lower flanks. Mature specimens may also develop an elegant trailing filament from the dorsal fin, giving adults an especially graceful appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a broad Indo-Pacific range extending from Sri Lanka and the Cocos-Keeling Islands eastward to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this species inhabits clear lagoons and coral-rich seaward reefs. Adults are commonly encountered alone, in pairs, or occasionally in small groups, often cruising above reef structure while searching for algae and small invertebrate foods. \u003cem\u003eChaetodon ephippium\u003c\/em\u003e can reach approximately 12 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts impressive coloration, relatively confident behavior, and substantial adult size make the Saddleback Butterflyfish an attractive centerpiece for a large fish-only aquarium. Although it can adapt well to captivity when provided with a varied diet, its natural tendency to consume coral polyps makes it unsuitable for most traditional reef aquarium setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon ephippium\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious, well-established marine aquarium with a combination of substantial rockwork and generous open swimming room. Caves, ledges, and overhangs give the fish places to retreat when startled, while broad open areas allow comfortable cruising as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause adults can reach approximately 12 inches, aquarium length and swimming space are especially important. Rockwork should be arranged securely without creating narrow passages that restrict movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and efficient filtration are recommended. A mature aquarium is preferred, as established rockwork provides natural browsing opportunities and can help newly introduced specimens acclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure lid is advisable, particularly during the initial acclimation period when butterflyfish may make sudden movements if startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Saddleback Butterflyfish is an omnivore that naturally consumes filamentous algae, small benthic invertebrates, coral polyps, and fish eggs. A varied captive diet is essential for maintaining good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, and other marine seafood. Quality frozen butterflyfish preparations, including blends containing sponge or other marine invertebrate material, can provide additional variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, and quality omnivore pellets should also be incorporated into the diet. Newly acclimated specimens may respond particularly well to frozen mysis, clam on the half shell, or foods presented near established rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals per day when practical rather than relying on a single large feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Saddleback Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can be maintained with many similarly sized community species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, larger wrasses, peaceful angelfish, and other appropriately sized marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior can occur toward other butterflyfish, particularly closely related or similarly patterned species. A single specimen is the simplest arrangement for most aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur both singly and in pairs, so compatible pairs may be maintained in exceptionally spacious systems when carefully selected. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may continually harass or outcompete the butterflyfish during feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Saddleback Butterflyfish is not considered reef safe. Coral polyps form part of its natural diet, and captive specimens may nip or consume both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSessile invertebrates should also be considered at risk, particularly fleshy or exposed animals that attract exploratory feeding. While individual behavior varies, this species should not be selected for a reef aquarium where coral protection is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium is the most dependable long-term setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, excellent oxygenation, and consistently good water quality are more important than maintaining an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can reach approximately 12 inches and require substantial swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural feeding behavior includes coral polyps, making coral nipping or consumption a significant concern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVaried diet is important:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer both marine-based meaty foods and algae-rich preparations to support long-term condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation can affect feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly introduced specimens may require especially enticing frozen or fresh marine foods before accepting a broader prepared diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflyfish compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use caution when combining it with similar butterflyfish unless the aquarium provides abundant territory and swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SDC","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52451764470058,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleSSDC","price":50.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451764502826,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleSMSDC","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451764535594,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleMSDC","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451764568362,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleMLSDC","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451764601130,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleLSDC","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52451764633898,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleXSDC","price":206.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52451764666666,"sku":"BUTTERxSaddleSHSDC","price":380.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-saddleback-butterflyfish-1257021109_35da3c4e-e909-41c0-a3c0-52c4df9b1e07.png?v=1789405843","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/saddleback-butterflyfish-chaetodon-ephippium-sdc","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}