Blackback Butterflyfish

Blackback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its brilliant yellow body, striking diagonal black band across the eye, and distinct dark patch (black “back”) running across the dorsal area. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including coral reefs and lagoons, this species is well-known for its vibrant contrast and active swimming.

Males typically grow slightly larger with more intense coloration and may exhibit territorial behavior during breeding season, while females/juveniles remain smaller and often show lighter body coloration until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons to allow for open swimming and stability.

Provide ample live rock with hiding spaces, open swimming areas, and a secure lid since butterflyfish are known jumpers when startled. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, pH 8.1–8.4) for long-term health.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and algae-based foods. With proper care, this striking species makes a colorful and eye-catching addition to the marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.