Melon Butterfly EXPERT (Chaetodon Trifasciatus)

Also Known As: Redfin Butterfly, Pinstriped Butterfly, Lineated Butterfly

Compatibility and Behavior
The Melon Butterfly is truly one of the most unique-looking Butterflyfish species, with its distinctly oval body shape and orange patch on its anal fin that resembles the rind of a melon. Featuring a yellowish face and chest, a soft, lavender to silver body, and pastel-like pinstripes across its body, this is also a Butterfly that tends to hover more than their more active counterparts. They are the epitome of grace and elegance. However, this is one of the more delicate butterflies, with a specialized diet and real environmental sensitivity, so it's a fish for an experienced keeper rather than a first foray into the family. An important part of their diet is coral polyps (their favorite is pocilipora), so an environment without sources of coral for grazing will not be suitable for survival.

Temperament runs peaceful toward dissimilar tankmates, and it does best among calm, steady species like tangs, wrasses, and Anthias, though it may get mildly territorial with other butterflies or similarly shaped fish in smaller systems. As with the family generally, treat it as reef safe with caution: while foraging it may nip soft corals, LPS, zoanthids, and clam mantles, and between that and its sensitivity it's a delicate choice for a mixed reef.

Aquarium Requirements
Stability is everything with this one. It wants a mature tank with abundant live rock, open swimming room, and water conditions that simply don't swing, so for specimens in the 1.5 to 3 inch range plan on around 90 gallons or more with a long footprint and strong, consistent filtration. Provide moderate, well-oxygenated flow, plenty of grazing surfaces, and sheltered spots to retreat into when startled. Feeding needs particular attention, since this is a specialized eater: offer a varied, high-quality diet of mysis, finely chopped seafood, enriched frozen foods, and marine pellets in frequent small feedings to keep it properly nourished.

One important note: because of its specialized diet and sensitivity, we can only guarantee this species for live arrival. Please make sure your system is ready before ordering.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 1.5–3"
Diet: Omnivore and Corallivore, requires available coral for grazing.
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: No
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Special Considerations: A delicate, specialized feeder that's sensitive to unstable conditions and requires coral as part of their diet