Falcula Butterflyfish

The Falcula Butterflyfish is semi-aggressive and best suited to a fish only tank.

Its body colour is mostly white, changing to yellow around its dorsal fins and rear. It has a think black band over its eye with others running down from the dorsal fin. The body has thinner black stripes running vertically down its side.

A fully grown adult can grow to a length of 8 inches (20.3 centimetres).

This species is easy to breed, reproduction can occur with 2 males as well as 1 male & 1 female. It is not possible for 2 females to produce eggs.

They are one of the most durable Butterflyfish, able to hold their own in semi-aggressive aquariums as they are happy to compete for food.

In the wild, Falcula Butterflyfish can be found around the edge of reefs or on the upper levels of reef slopes. Their habitat is usually in areas with currents between 1-20 meters. Its natural environment is in the Indian Ocean, from the East coast of Africa across to the Maldives and Indonesia.

Tank Recommendations for the Falcula Butterflyfish

Tank size should be at least 125 gallons (473 litres).

Falcula Butterflyfish will nibble at corals and eat invertebrates. So they should be kept in a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) tank.

Maintaining the correct temperature range is important for this species. If the fish starts to change colour add some ice to the top of the water to cool the tank.

An aquarium environment should try to replicate elements of the reef habitat, with plenty of live rock providing cave and other places to shelter. Water should be oxygenated with medium to strong water movement.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Falcula Butterflyfish is semi-aggressive. They can co-habit with a variety of species but may get territorial if housed with conspecifics.

Avoid aggressive tank buddies that may bully or harass other tank members.

Usually Compatible

Falcula Butterflyfish can co-habit with a variety of different fish. Suitable tank buddies include Angelfish, Anthias, Blennies, Clownfish, Dragonets, Gobies, Hogfish, Pseudochromis and Tangs.

Sometime Compatible

Caution is advised when a housing Falcula Butterflyfish with other Butterflyfish, Eels, Groupers, Lionfish/Scorpionfish, Squirrelfish and Triggerfish.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid housing with Seahorse/Pipefish or Sharks/Rays. Crustaceans and Corals are at risk of being nibbled or eaten.

Feeding Your Falcula Butterflyfish

Falcula Butterflyfish are carnivorous. They enjoy meaty food such as mysis shrimp, fish, krill, and crustacean flesh, as well as frozen preparations. It is recommended to feed them once or twice per day.