Saddleback Butterflyfish

Scientific Name: Chaetodon falcula
Species: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)
Other names: Coralfishes, Saddleback Butterfly, Falcula Butterfly, Falcula Butterflyfish, Indian Double-saddle Butterflyfish, Double Saddle Butterfly, Saddled Butterflyfish, Blackwedged Butterflyfish, Sickle Butterflyfish, Pigface Coralfish.

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Description

Also known as Coralfishes, Saddleback Butterfly, Falcula Butterfly, Falcula Butterflyfish, Indian Double-saddle Butterflyfish, Double Saddle Butterfly, Saddled Butterflyfish, Blackwedged Butterflyfish, Sickle Butterflyfish and Pigface Coralfish.

Found in pairs on outer reef walls and lagoons.
Juveniles singly and secretive on reefs.
They feed on coral polyps, tentacles of featherdusters and Christmas-tree worms.
Length - 18cm
Depth - 1-20m
Widespread Indian Ocean

Butterflyfish and angelfish are members of the bristletooth family (Chaetodontidae) they have very fine hairlike teeth that enable them to pick out small organisms inaccessible to most other fish for eating.
Butterflyfishes thrive on a diet of coral polyps, tentacles of featherdusters and Christmas-tree worms. As these food sources all zap back into their shells the butterflyfishes need to be able to hover motionless while picking at the coral and to dart swiftly over short distances to get the worm before it retracts. They do this by using their Pectoral fins as oars to brake, sprint, turn and even reverse.

Spotted

The Saddleback Butterflyfish is found in or near the Indian Ocean region(s) and has been photographed 4 times by user @fishx6

Related creatures

Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Saddleback Butterflyfish. Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

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