True Falcula Butterflyfish: The Bold Indian Ocean Grazer

The True Falcula Butterflyfish (Chaetodon falcula), also commonly known as the Blackwedged Butterflyfish, Double Saddle Butterflyfish, or Saddleback Butterflyfish, is a hardy and attractive species native to the Indian Ocean. This fish is recognized by its compressed, white body adorned with a series of narrow, dark vertical stripes, and two prominent black, wedge-shaped "saddles" on its upper back near the dorsal fin. Its dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are typically bright yellow.

Reaching a maximum size of up to 8 inches (20 cm), the True Falcula Butterflyfish requires a large aquarium to thrive. It is a highly active swimmer that benefits from ample open space, as well as plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter. In the wild, it is found on reef edges and slopes, often in current-prone habitats.

Unlike some other butterflyfish, this species is relatively robust and active, making it easier to acclimate to prepared foods, which is essential for its long-term health in captivity. However, its natural diet in the wild includes a variety of invertebrates and coral polyps, meaning it is not generally recommended for reef aquariums.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The True Falcula Butterflyfish is a Carnivore / Omnivore whose wild diet consists of coral polyps, sea anemones, worms, crustaceans, and other benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, it must be provided with a varied diet multiple times per day. Offer high-quality meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chunks of clam or squid, and prepared frozen foods formulated for marine carnivores. Feeding it small pieces of human consumption clam (on the half-shell) can often help entice finicky eaters to begin taking prepared foods.
• Feeding: Feed small amounts 2 to 3 times per day. Consistent, frequent feeding is critical to keep this species healthy and reduce its desire to pick at sessile invertebrates.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally NOT Reef Safe. This species is known to actively pick at and consume a wide variety of ornamental invertebrates, including fan worms, tube worms, mushroom anemones, various soft corals, and the polyps of stony corals (LPS and SPS). It is best kept in a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) system. It is, however, one of the few species known to consume the pest anemone, Aiptasia.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive. It is generally peaceful toward most non-similar tankmates but may show aggression or territoriality toward other butterflyfish, especially those with similar coloring or body shapes. It is best kept singly or as a confirmed mated pair in a very large system. Good tankmates include large angelfish, tangs, and other robust, active marine fish.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon falcula
• Primary Common Name: True Falcula Butterflyfish
• Other Common Names: Blackwedged Butterflyfish, Double Saddle Butterflyfish, Saddleback Butterflyfish
• Origin: Indian Ocean (East Africa to Indonesia)
• Max Size: 8 inches (20 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
• Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore (Feeds on coral polyps and invertebrates in the wild)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat corals and other invertebrates)