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Saddleback Butterfly

Saddleback Butterfly

Regular price $90.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $90.99 USD
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**Saddleback Butterfly (Chaetodon ephippium): A Vibrant Addition to Your Reef Aquarium**

Introducing the Saddleback Butterfly, a true gem for any reef aquarium enthusiast. With its striking coloration and distinctive saddle-like marking, this captivating fish not only adds visual appeal but also brings a dynamic presence to your underwater world.

**Key Features:**

- **Stunning Appearance:** The Saddleback Butterfly is known for its bold, contrasting colors. Its vibrant yellow body is beautifully complemented by a dark, saddle-shaped mark across its back, creating a mesmerizing display as it gracefully glides through the water.

- **Care Requirements:** To ensure the health and happiness of your Saddleback Butterfly, maintain water parameters with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature of 72-78°F, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended, providing ample space for swimming and exploration.

- **Diet and Feeding:** This butterfly fish thrives on a varied diet. Offer a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine angelfish preparations. Supplement with algae-based foods and finely chopped seafood to mimic their natural diet.

**Compatibility:**

The Saddleback Butterfly is generally peaceful and can coexist well with other non-aggressive fish species. It is important to note, however, that this species may occasionally nip at certain soft corals and anemones. Exercise caution when introducing them to reef tanks with a high concentration of these inhabitants. It is best housed with other peaceful tank mates, such as tangs, wrasses, and gobies.

**Ideal for Experienced Hobbyists:**

While the Saddleback Butterfly is a stunning and rewarding addition, it is best suited for aquarists with some experience due to its moderate care requirements and specific dietary needs. With the right setup and attention, this exquisite butterfly fish will become a shining star in your marine collection.

Elevate your reef aquarium with the Saddleback Butterfly, a vibrant and engaging choice for those seeking to enhance their aquatic haven with a touch of elegance and color.

Feeding & Diet

An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.

Care & Water Parameters

The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.

Reef & Tank Compatibility

Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.

Size & Growth

Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.

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Saddleback Butterfly
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