Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish, also known as False Falcula Butterflyfish, is a marine fish belonging to the Chaetodontidae family.
It thrives in coral-rich areas in the central Indo-Pacific region, from Cocos-Keeling Islands to Tuamotu Islands and up to Japan.
This fish lives at depths from the surface down to 20 meters (65 feet), usually in shallow channels with strong currents.
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish is benthopelagic, meaning it swims near the ocean floor. It’s typically solitary or found in pairs or small groups.
Its diet consists of both plant and animal material.
This fish is easy to keep in aquariums but is not reef-safe due to their tendency to feed on corals and other organisms that make up the reef ecosystem.
Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish inhabit coral-rich areas in the central Indo-Pacific region, from Cocos-Keeling Islands to Japan.
- These fish live at depths of 2 to 30 meters and are more common on lagoon reefs than seaward reefs.
- They have a unique white color between the black saddles on their body and grow up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long.
- During the breeding season, they form monogamous pairs and reproduce by laying eggs.
Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish Habitat
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Tuamoto Islands, and up north to Japan.
It lives in marine environments near coral reefs and can be found at depths of 2 to 30 meters (6.5 to 98 feet). It’s more common on lagoon reefs than seaward reefs.
Young Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish are found in harbors and estuaries.
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish prefers tropical waters with a latitude range of 36°N to 32°S and a longitude range of 34°E to 133°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters).
It has 12 dorsal spines, 23 to 25 dorsal soft rays, 3 to 4 anal spines, and 19 to 21 anal soft rays.
Its unique feature is the white color between the black saddles on its body.
The snout length measures about 2.2 to 2.5 times its head length, while the body depth is around 1.5 to 1.8 times its standard length.
Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish Reproduction
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish is known for forming distinct pairs.
These fish reproduce by laying eggs (oviparous) and form monogamous pairs during the breeding season.
Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish mate monogamously, meaning they have only one partner at a time. This behavior is seen as both necessary and social.
Pacific Double-saddle Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon ulietensis |
| Also Known As: | Pacific Double Saddle Butterflyfish, False Falcula Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |