Copperband Butterfly

[rykna]

Who has a copperband butterfly? I read that they have a reputation for eating unwanted aiptasia.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 8"
Color Form: Orange, White, Yellow
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Copperband Butterflyfish,
It is best housed in very large reefs, or in peaceful community tanks. It should be kept singly, not with conspecifics or similar butterflyfish, and should not be kept with any stress-inducing fish. Caution should be exercised if housing these fish in a reef aquarium. They may pick on invertebrates, especially anemones and feather dusters. They are an excellent fish when used to control aiptasia, or glass anemones, in the reef aquarium.
The Copperband Butterflyfish is a difficult fish to feed; it is a shy and deliberate feeder that may need a variety of foods offered to it in order to start feeding.
Are these specs correct?

 

[reefreak29]

mmm. no i had one in my 90 to rid of my aptasia , I have an sps tank so i kept an eye on it. the cbb ate all my aptasia and some mimi feather dusters then i returned him to the lfs , i kept it for about 6 months. i dont think they should be in anything less then a 75

 

[rykna]

So it should be okay in my 90 until I restock it with seahorses correct?

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by Rykna
So it should be okay in my 90 until I restock it with seahorses correct?
it should be fine just make sure u see him eat at the lfs

 

[rykna]

Originally Posted by reefreak29
it should be fine just make sure u see him eat at the lfs
Thanks

 

[reefreak29]

u do realize these are finicky eaters and one of the harder fish to keep right

 

[rykna]

Originally Posted by reefreak29
u do realize these are finicky eaters and one of the harder fish to keep right
Yeah I read that...please fill me in. I have not experienced(as of yet-knock on wood

) picky feeders. One of my first sw fish I put in my tank, a blue mandrin ate frozen brine...which I later discovered saved him from starving to death

which is the fate of many mandrins put into inmature tanks.

 

[nereef]

peppermint shrimp would be a better choice, imo. they are more likely to live and eat aiptasia just as well.

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by NEreef
peppermint shrimp would be a better choice, imo. they are more likely to live and eat aiptasia just as well.
i agree your not garenteed that the cbb will even eat it. there just so hit or miss its not really worth it , i considered myself lucky with mine. they are a beautiful fish thuogh

 

[rykna]

hhmmmmm....

my peppermint shrimp never touched the aiptasia....but it did fight every night with my cup coral over brine shrimp.

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by Rykna
hhmmmmm....

my peppermint shrimp never touched the aiptasia....but it did fight every night with my cup coral over brine shrimp.
lol ,well mabie a cbb will work out for u too

 

[rykna]

Originally Posted by reefreak29
lol ,well mabie a cbb will work out for u too

I hope so...I gotta find something that will exile/get ahead these pesky anemones.

 

[trainfever]

Check with your LFS and see if they have live black worms. My Copperband went nuts over them. He also ate all my mini feather dusters but the Apstaisia was last on his food menu. Also, make sure that your water is very clean. Copperbands are extremely sensitive and will not tolerate less than pristine water for very long.

 

[rykna]

Thanks, will do. Man....rock by rock by rock with boiling water.Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I love my hobby