{"product_id":"true-falcula-butterflyfish","title":"True Falcula Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe True Falcula Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon falcula\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking saltwater fish recognized by its pearly white body, fine vertical gray lines, bright yellow dorsal and posterior coloration, and two bold black saddle-shaped wedges across the upper body. A dark band through the eye completes its dramatic pattern. Its larger, more defined black wedges help distinguish the True Falcula from the closely related Double Saddle Butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indian Ocean, this species ranges from East Africa through the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Andaman region, and eastward toward Indonesia. Adults inhabit reef edges and upper reef slopes, particularly areas exposed to moderate or strong currents, where they are commonly observed in pairs or small groups while searching the reef for invertebrate prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 8 inches as an adult, the True Falcula Butterflyfish makes an impressive centerpiece for a spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium. It is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can adapt well to captivity once feeding consistently, but its natural appetite for coral polyps, anemones, worms, and other reef invertebrates makes it unsuitable for most traditional reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore \/ Invertivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indian Ocean – East Africa to Indonesia\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon falcula\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with substantial rockwork and generous open swimming space. Caves, overhangs, and sheltered passages offer secure retreats, while unobstructed areas allow this active butterflyfish to cruise comfortably throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished live rock is especially beneficial because the True Falcula naturally spends considerable time inspecting reef surfaces for food. Arrange the aquascape with enough structure for browsing and shelter without creating narrow pathways that restrict movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, efficient filtration, and stable water quality are recommended. A secure aquarium cover is also advisable, particularly during acclimation when a startled fish may make sudden movements toward the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe True Falcula Butterflyfish is primarily an invertivore in nature, consuming coral polyps, polychaete worms, sea anemones, crustaceans, sponges, and other small reef-associated invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, krill, and quality frozen marine carnivore or butterflyfish preparations. Clam or mussel presented on the shell can be particularly useful for encouraging newly introduced specimens to begin feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce acclimated, many specimens will also accept quality marine pellets and other prepared foods. Feed two to three smaller meals per day when practical, as regular feeding helps maintain body condition and suits the natural browsing habits of butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe True Falcula Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can coexist with many appropriately sized community species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, larger gobies, and compatible angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior can occur toward other butterflyfish, especially similarly shaped or closely related species. Keeping a single specimen is the simplest arrangement for most aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur in pairs and small aggregations, so compatible pairs may be maintained in very large aquariums when carefully selected. Two unrelated specimens should not automatically be expected to form a peaceful pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive or excessively competitive tankmates that may intimidate the butterflyfish or prevent it from receiving adequate food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe True Falcula Butterflyfish is not considered reef safe. Coral polyps and other sessile invertebrates form an important part of its natural diet, creating a significant risk to both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea anemones, tubeworms, sponges, and other exposed sessile invertebrates may also be nipped or consumed. Clam mantles and similar fleshy organisms should likewise be considered at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium provides the most predictable long-term environment for this species.\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, strong oxygenation, and consistently good water quality are more important than attempting to maintain 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\u003eNot reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coral polyps, anemones, tubeworms, and other sessile invertebrates may be consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding acclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly introduced specimens may initially require highly palatable foods such as clam, mussel, or frozen mysis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive adult fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults reach approximately 8 inches and require substantial horizontal swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflyfish compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial behavior may occur toward other butterflyfish, especially similar species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies identification:\u003c\/strong\u003e The True Falcula is closely related to the Double Saddle Butterflyfish but is an Indian Ocean species with more pronounced black saddle-shaped markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52451764076842,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcS","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451764109610,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcSM","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451764142378,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcM","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451764175146,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcML","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451764207914,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcL","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52451764240682,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcX","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52451764273450,"sku":"BUTTERxFalcXX","price":281.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/FalculaButterfly_0e27c484-7c0d-4f59-aa3c-aecae58a1b02.png?v=1788291490","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/true-falcula-butterflyfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}