Blackwedged Butterflyfish, also known as Falcula Butterflyfish, is a type of marine fish with ray-like fins.
It belongs to the Chaetodontidae family and lives in the Indian Ocean. You can find this fish near reef edges and upper slopes, often in areas with strong currents.
This species has a sibling called Chaetodon ulietensis located in the western and central Pacific Ocean.
Young blackwedged butterflyfish tend to hide in corals, while adults are usually seen in pairs or small groups.
This fish feeds on invertebrates like worms and crustaceans. Also, it’s not reef-safe because it may cause harm to coral reefs.
Blackwedged Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Blackwedged butterflyfish thrive in warm, tropical waters near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.
- Adults form monogamous pairs and exhibit unique mating behavior.
- These fish have a vibrant appearance with yellow, orange, and distinct black markings.
- They grow up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters) long and primarily feed on invertebrates like worms and crustaceans.
Blackwedged Butterflyfish Habitat
Blackwedged butterflyfish is found in the Indian Ocean. Its habitat ranges from East Africa to Indonesia, specifically between 25°N to 27°S and 34°E to 141°E.
This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs and is usually found at depths of 1 to 15 meters.
Blackwedged butterflyfish thrive in warm, tropical waters.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Blackwedged Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters)
Blackwedged butterflyfish grows up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters) long.
It has 12 to 13 spines on its back (dorsal spines) and 23 to 25 soft rays along the same area (dorsal soft rays).
This fish also has 3 anal spines and 20 to 21 anal soft rays.
Blackwedged butterflyfish has a unique appearance with bright yellow and orange colors covering its back and tail.
It also features two distinct black markings on its back.
The snout of this fish is about 1.9 to 2.3 times shorter than the head length, while the body depth is about 1.6 to 1.8 times smaller than the standard body length of the fish.
Blackwedged Butterflyfish Reproduction
Blackwedged butterflyfish form distinct pairs, meaning they have a close relationship with one partner.
They show monogamous mating behavior, which means they have only one mate at a time, both by necessity and choice.
Also, this fish is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs to reproduce.
Blackwedged Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon falcula |
| Also Known As: | Blackwedged Butterflyfish, Falcula Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |