Falcula Butterflyfish / Blackwedged butterflyfish (Chaetodon falcula)

The Falcula Butterflyfish is a striking butterflyfish characterized by its silver body, dark slanted patterns, and bright yellow dorsal area. Its elongated body shape and strong contrasts make it a highly distinctive species in a reef aquarium.

This species actively moves around the rocks, using its long snout to search for food in crevices and on surfaces. In nature, its diet consists partly of coral polyps and small invertebrates, which is why it is not considered a completely reef-safe fish.

The Falcula Butterflyfish thrives in a stable and mature aquarium with plenty of swimming space, live rock, and hiding places.

Characteristics

Striking yellow and black coloration

Active swimmer for larger aquariums

Long snout helps in finding food in rocks

May nip at corals and sessile invertebrates

Generally peaceful towards other fish

Care Instructions

Minimum Aquarium: 500 l

Temperature: 24–27 °C

Salinity: 1.023–1.026

Feeding: mysis, artemia, clam, crustacean-based frozen foods, high-quality pellet and flake foods

Compatibility: peaceful, but may be territorial towards other butterflyfish

Reef Safe: not entirely reef-safe

Additional Information

Scientific name: Chaetodon falcula

Finnish name: Falcula-perhoskala

Origin: Indian Ocean

Difficulty Level: Medium