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Can a Saddleback Butterflyfish Live With a Yellow Tang?

✗ Not recommended in most tanks

Verdict from our compatibility engine, assuming a typical 90-gallon reef tank. Score: 0/100.

Why

  • Reef safety hard block: Not reef-safe — Saddleback Butterflyfish will damage coral/inverts
  • Tank well stocked (186%) — limited headroom

It can work if…

  • Upgrade to a larger tank — this species needs more volume
  • Reef safety concern — relocate or rehome before adding to a reef tank

Both species at a glance

Saddleback Butterflyfish

Chaetodon ephippium

Aggression:
semi-aggressive
Min tank:
130 gallons
Reef safe:
unsafe
Diet:
omnivore

Full Saddleback Butterflyfish care guide →

Yellow Tang

Zebrasoma flavescens

Aggression:
semi-aggressive
Min tank:
75 gallons
Reef safe:
safe
Diet:
herbivore

Full Yellow Tang care guide →

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