Copperbanded Butterflyfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Smaller individuals of this species seem to fare better in captivity. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This is a beauty coveted by reefkeepers, but a fish that varies in hardiness. Some specimens settle into their new homes within several days and begin eating, while others may refuse to feed, requiring live foods to initiate feeding.
Family: Chaetodontidae
Other common name(s):
- Copperband Butterflyfish
- Banded Longsnout Butterflyfish
- Beaked Butterflyfish
- Beaked Coralfish
Native range:
Habitat: This is a common species found in pairs or singly along coral reefs and rocky shores; also in estuaries and silty inner reefs.
Maximum length: 18 cm (7 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 285 L (75 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Feed meaty foods like frozen mysid shrimp, seafood shavings, and frozen preparations. Live foods, such as clams or black mussels that have had their shells broken open or live brine shrimp, may be needed to initiate feeding.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Most individuals can be kept in a reef tank with soft corals and small-polyped stony corals, but some will nip at large-polyped stony corals, certain soft corals (including xeniids and clavulariids), and zoanthids (e.g., Parazoanthus species). Most individuals will eat glass anemones (Aiptasia species) and will decimate polychaete worm populations. Keep only one per tank.
[edit] Notes
Some aquarists have suggested that smaller individuals (around 3 in. [7.6 cm] in length) fare better in captivity.
| Common name | Copperbanded Butterflyfish +, Copperband Butterflyfish +, Banded Longsnout Butterflyfish +, Beaked Butterflyfish +, and Beaked Coralfish + |
| Family | Chaetodontidae + |
| Genus | Chelmon + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 7 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 75 gal + |
| Native range | Andaman Sea +, Ryukyu Islands +, and Australia + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | rostratus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |