Chaetodon ulietensis in August '95 issue*

[Gary Majchrzak]

Hi, Terry.
I'm stringing together ancedotal observations on Doublesaddle Butterflyfish behavior in reef aquaria.
Obviously, there aren't very many folks that have this particular Butterflyfish in their reef aquarium!
Prior to introducing the Chaetodon ulietensis to your aquarium for Majano control, did Greg Schiemer (or yourself) examine the behavior of this particular species in other captive reef situations? I'm sure you're aware that the Waikiki Aquarium has used this particular Butterflyfish for the control of certain invasive types of anemones and corals.
Is it still effectively attacking Majano while leaving other desirable inverts alone? Any clue as to whether or not it will eat Aiptasia?
TIA for any insight you can offer.
Sincerely, Gary Majchrzak

*link to article referenced:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/8/aaeditorial

 

[AF Founder]

Gary,

It has wiped out all majanos and also eats Aiptasia. So far it hasn't been a nuisance, and continues to eat OSI flake food, but only the orange flakes, not the gtreen spirulina. It hasn't botherd anything else yet.

 

[Nitrox]

Hi,
A few years ago I've had exactly the same problems with thoses pests of majanos.
Despite all my efforts with vinegar injection, majanos kept on proliferating...
So I decided to introduce a Chaetodon lunula in my 100 gallon reef tank. As soon as he had been introduced in the tank, he started to eat majanos.
For my greatest pleasure he got rid off 'em in a week.
Unfortunately after that he ate my zoanthus and them started to attack my montiporas. I had to pull him away off the tank.

http://users.skynet.be/fa969208/bac/nitrox/photo5.jpg

Bye
Nitrox

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Although they eat Aiptasia, Chaetodon lunula is a well known "reef wrecker".
I'm wondering if C. ulietensis is anywhere as destructive. Any updates, Terry?

 

[AF Founder]

Read my editorial in the current issue of Advanced Aquarist!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for the tip- I found it.
FWIW the link to AA at the top of this page needs updating- it links to the Oct. issue. Your update on the fish is in the November issue:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aaeditorial

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

It's almost a year and a half since the Nov. '05 AA update on your C. ulietensis, Terry. Do you still have the fish? What is your long term assessment of placing it in your reef aquarium? TIA