Copperband or Longnose Butterfly?

[xcspartans8912]

Hey just wanted opinions on either of these fish. And if anybody has either, could they tell me tips about them. Here it says that they are hard to feed, but I have alot of empty snail shells, and it says to hide their food in one of these near their favorite place so they can find it with their long noses. Again, if anybody knows any tips on either of these fish, it would be appreciated.

 

[globaldesigns]

I have a Copperband, and yes they can be a difficult fish to keep because of feeding. I would suggest that you get your LFS to throw some mysis in the tank and see if they eat, before you buy. If so, then you should have some success with them.
Mine eats pods, frozen mysis and even at times picks at the algae sheets. But I did what I suggested and took the one that ate in the store.

 

[rotarymagic]

Copperbands are the only fish I've seen that even when a complete pig on all sorts of different types of food still die before 6months in captivity. Racoon butterflies are the hardiest of the genus IMO.

 

[srfisher17]

IMO & IME; a longnose is actually a fairly easy fish to keep. Much easier (less picky) than a copperband, not as delicate as they look, and a good choice as a "first butterfly'.

 

[aquaknight]

XC, I hate to be the drag on this thread, but if you're still looking for fish for your 30gal, keep looking. Just like tangs, there isn't a butterfly suitable for life in a 30gal.
Originally Posted by Rotarymagic
http:///forum/post/2835567
Copperbands are the only fish I've seen that even when a complete pig on all sorts of different types of food still die before 6months in captivity. Racoon butterflies are the hardiest of the genus IMO.
Try again

Raccoons=Chaetodon lunula, Copperband's=Chelmon rostratus.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2837771
XC, I hate to be the drag on this thread, but if you're still looking for fish for your 30gal, keep looking. Just like tangs, there isn't a butterfly suitable for life in a 30gal.
Try again

Raccoons=Chaetodon lunula, Copperband's=Chelmon rostratus.
If this is 30 gal; I completely agree. No butterfly belongs in a tank this small. This is just basic info that will appear in any SW fishkeeping book; which should be read cover to cover before starting the hobby.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Rotarymagic
http:///forum/post/2835567
Copperbands are the only fish I've seen that even when a complete pig on all sorts of different types of food still die before 6months in captivity. Racoon butterflies are the hardiest of the genus IMO.
Copperbands dying like this could easily be classic examples of cyanide collection. IMO, the CBs from Australia are well worth the high price. (As are all Aussie & Hawaiian fish.)

 

[rotarymagic]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/2838078
Copperbands dying like this could easily be classic examples of cyanide collection. IMO, the CBs from Australia are well worth the high price. (As are all Aussie & Hawaiian fish.)
Oh the die off is cyanide related? didn't know that, but then again I never really had any true interest in owning butterflies.. I will remember this bit of info, thanks.

Aussie fish are always great. tusks! and I love my yellow assessor.

 

[rotarymagic]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2837771
XC, I hate to be the drag on this thread, but if you're still looking for fish for your 30gal, keep looking. Just like tangs, there isn't a butterfly suitable for life in a 30gal.
Try again

Raccoons=Chaetodon lunula, Copperband's=Chelmon rostratus.
oh my mistake..lol