Indian Ocean from Kenya to South Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, southern India and the Andamans east to Java; reef edges with strong current, 1–15 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
20 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
350 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
no
Care
350 litres is an estimate from its size; provide good water movement and live rock. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and water quality stable. Usually in pairs or small groups of up to about 20. Often confused with C. ulietensis, but its wedge-shaped saddles do not reach the belly and it is more yellow overall. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetodonfalcula). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Eats coral polyps, worms, anemones, crustaceans, sponges, sea urchin tube feet and other invertebrates. In captivity offer mysis, chopped shellfish, worms and krill.
Breeding
Forms breeding pairs and scatters floating eggs in open water. Not bred in home aquaria.
Compatibility and tank mates
Peaceful with other fish. Not reef safe: it eats coral polyps, anemones and other invertebrates.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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