Blackback Butterflyfish – Chaetodon melannotus
The Blackback Butterflyfish is an attractive and active marine butterflyfish recognised for its pale body, fine dark diagonal lines and distinctive dark rear section across the upper body. Its elegant shape and contrasting markings make it an eye-catching addition to spacious marine aquariums. Although generally peaceful towards unrelated fish, its natural feeding behaviour includes coral polyps and other reef organisms, so it is not considered suitable for delicate reef displays.
Common Name
Blackback Butterflyfish, Black-backed Butterflyfish
Scientific Name (Latin)
Chaetodon melannotus
Maximum Size
| Size | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Size | Not specified in product description |
FAQ
Is the Blackback Butterflyfish suitable for a reef aquarium?
No, the Blackback Butterflyfish is not recommended for delicate reef displays due to its natural feeding behaviour, which includes consuming coral polyps and other reef organisms.
What are the distinguishing features of the Blackback Butterflyfish?
It has a pale body with fine dark diagonal lines and a distinctive dark rear section across the upper body, giving it an elegant and eye-catching appearance.
How does the Blackback Butterflyfish behave in an aquarium?
It is generally peaceful towards unrelated fish but is active and may feed on coral polyps and other reef organisms, so it should be kept in a spacious marine aquarium with compatible species.
Tracey Clark –
The Blackback Butterflyfish is a striking addition to my marine tank. Its coloration is vivid and it moves gracefully through the water. I’ve noticed it occasionally nibbles on soft corals, so I’ve adjusted the tank layout to avoid sensitive areas. Overall, it’s a beautiful and active fish that adds life to the display.
Chloe Underwood –
I was impressed by how quickly the fish adapted to the tank. Its dark markings stand out well against the pale background. I keep it in a large tank with plenty of open space. It’s not aggressive, but I do monitor coral health closely due to its feeding habits.
Alison Hill –
The fish looks great and is active, but I’ve had to remove a few soft corals because of its feeding behavior. It’s not ideal for a reef-only setup. Still, it’s a visually appealing species for a spacious marine aquarium.