{"product_id":"blackback-butterflyfish-chaetodon-melannotus","title":"Blackback Butterflyfish - Chaetodon melannotus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlackback Butterflyfish, Black-backed Butterflyfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChaetodon melannotus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 18 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blackback Butterflyfish has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is associated with coral-rich lagoons, reef flats and seaward reef slopes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt typically remains close to coral and rocky structure, where it spends much of its time searching reef surfaces for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful to Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blackback Butterflyfish is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but may become territorial towards other butterflyfish, particularly similarly patterned species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults may occur in pairs, although keeping a single specimen is often the simplest option in a home aquarium unless a compatible established pair is available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore \/ Corallivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blackback Butterflyfish naturally feeds on coral polyps and a range of small reef-associated foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped prawn, mussel, specialist butterflyfish foods and quality marine pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral smaller meals throughout the day are preferable, particularly while the fish is settling into a new aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 300 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts adult size and active swimming behaviour mean the Blackback Butterflyfish benefits from substantial horizontal swimming space alongside established rockwork and shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blackback Butterflyfish is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time exploring reef structure and searching coral and rock surfaces for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of open swimming room together with caves, overhangs and secure rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt should be kept with suitably calm tankmates that will not continually intimidate or outcompete it at feeding time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNot Reef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blackback Butterflyfish should not be considered reliably reef safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoral polyps form an important part of its natural diet, so hard corals and potentially other sessile reef invertebrates may be picked at or consumed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is therefore better suited to fish-only marine aquariums or systems where coral damage is an accepted risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with plenty of open swimming space, established rockwork and sheltered areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens should be monitored carefully to ensure they begin feeding consistently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffering a wide variety of frozen and prepared foods can help establish a strong feeding response and maintain healthy body condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly aggressive tankmates that may prevent the butterflyfish from feeding comfortably.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStable water quality, good oxygenation and strong filtration are important for long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause this species naturally feeds on coral polyps, it should not be selected for a valuable mixed reef aquarium where coral safety is a priority.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47407947219117,"sku":"AG-104609","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47407947251885,"sku":"AG-104610","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47407947284653,"sku":"AG-104611","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlackbackButterflyfish-Chaetodonmelannotus.jpg?v=1788460357","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/blackback-butterflyfish-chaetodon-melannotus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}