True Falcula Butterflyfish
Chaetodon falcula
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Chaetodontidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About True Falcula Butterflyfish
General information
The True Falcula Butterflyfish (Chaetodon falcula) is a species of marine fish found in the western and central Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other areas in the region. The fish is named for its sickle-shaped body, which is white with black lines on its back, yellow on its fins, and a black spot on the top of its head. It can grow up to 20 centimeters in length and is typically found in lagoons and coral reefs.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, True Falcula Butterflyfish feed primarily on algae and coral polyps. In an aquarium, they can be fed a diet consisting of frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and algae-based flake foods.
Determining sex
There is no known way to determine the sex of a True Falcula Butterflyfish visually.
Breeding & spawning
Little is known about the breeding habits of True Falcula Butterflyfish in captivity, as they are difficult to breed in an aquarium setting.
Diseases
True Falcula Butterflyfish can be susceptible to common marine diseases such as ich, marine velvet, and bacterial infections. They should be kept in a healthy and clean environment to prevent the spread of disease.
Origination
The True Falcula Butterflyfish is native to the western and central Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other areas in the region.
Cautions
True Falcula Butterflyfish are generally considered reef safe, but they may nip at coral and other invertebrates. They should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish.
Acclimation process
When introducing a True Falcula Butterflyfish to an aquarium, it is important to slowly acclimate it to the new environment. This can be done by gradually adding small amounts of water from the aquarium to the bag the fish came in over a period of several hours.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.