Care
The beautiful FalculaButterflyfish is found amongst the brisk currents of the reef edge, at depthsof up to 15m/49ft. Adults are often observed feeding in pairs or smallaggregations, whereas the more secretive juvenile fish tend to concealthemselves amongst the safety of corals. The Falcula Butterflyfish is arelatively hardy species and is moderately aggressive. As the natural diet consistsof various invertebrates, this is a species best maintained in a mature fish-onlyset up that contains plenty of live rock. They are best kept singly, so thatterritorial aggression is avoided. Tankmates should be of similar size andtemperament, and these can include other robust butterflyfish that differmarkedly in appearance to this species. The tank should contain an abundance ofrockwork for the fish to hide amongst, with an open swimming area along thefront of the aquarium. As with all butterflyfishes, this species demandsexcellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, with areasof decent current.
C. falcula isreplaced by the very similar-looking
C.ulietensis in the western and central Pacific.
Feeding
It can sometimes be a little trickyto get new specimens to feed, and it may be necessary to start them off on smalllive foods, weaning them on to various other frozen and dried foods in time.Feed small amounts several times per day, and be sure to offer a good varietyof different foods. Frozen fare such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enrichedbrineshrimp, finely chopped clam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc. can be proffered,but - most importantly "“ do ensure that the larger foodstuffs are chopped intosmall enough pieces on account of butterflyfish having tiny mouths.
Breeding
This species has not been bredin captivity. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs and scatter theireggs in open water.
