Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

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Reef Safe?

False

Invert Safe?

False

Maximum Fish Size

Minimum Acceptable Tank Size

Description

While this popular species can do well when their requirements are met, they are somewhat fragile the do not tolerate careless handling and require excellent water quality and exceptionally peaceful tankmates. With this in mind, you may want to consider another butterfly if you're squeamish about the possibility of losing a fish. Also note, small specimens are more delicate than medium or larger specimens. The Australian Copperband Butterfly tends to fare predictably better than those from other areas. The Copperband is often used to rid reef aquariums of Aiptasia anemones. Most individuals can be kept in a reef tank with most soft corals and small-polyped stony corals, although some may nip at large-polyped stony corals, certain soft corals (including xeniids and clavulariids) and zoanthids.

Feeding

Omnivore. Offer a varied diet including crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp and frozen preparations.