Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish

Chaetodon ulietensis

The Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish (Chaetodon ulietensis) is a medium-sized butterflyfish reaching about 15 cm in length, found across the Pacific from Southeast Asia to French Polynesia. It has a white to pale body with fine diagonal lines ascending from the belly, and two bold dark saddle-shaped markings on the upper body: one across the mid-back and one at the rear dorsal area. A dark band passes through the eye, and the caudal fin is yellow with a dark bar. This attractive pattern makes it easily identifiable among the many butterflyfish species. It inhabits coral-rich reef slopes, lagoons, and outer reef faces, typically at depths of 3-30 meters. Like many butterflyfish, it is usually seen in long-term pair bonds, with both individuals swimming and feeding together. Its diet consists primarily of coral polyps, small invertebrates, and algae. The Pacific double-saddle butterflyfish is a reliable indicator of reef health, as it depends on living coral for food and shelter. It is generally shy but can be approached slowly for photography.