Melon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Hard care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Melon Butterflyfish has a distinctive yellow body with three broad black vertical bands running across the head and body. A bright orange-red mark adorns the forehead above the snout. The dorsal and anal fins are yellow with black accents, and the tail fin is predominantly yellow.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality marine flake food, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and small pieces of fresh seafood. Offer multiple small meals daily to replicate natural grazing behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Melon Butterflyfish
The Melon Butterflyfish is challenging to keep, requiring excellent water quality, stable parameters, and careful acclimation. It is known for being slow to adapt to captivity and may refuse food initially. It can nip at soft corals and is best suited to experienced aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole in the Head Disease, Velvet Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the Philippines and Indonesia.
Log Melon Butterflyfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Melon Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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