Copperband butterfly fish

[Luis]

Hi.

I´ve read Copperband is not for reef aquariums but I´ve seen pictures of reefs with copperbands :? Do they eat corals ? How some people have them in their reefs?

Thanks guys.

 

[Mike612]

The Copperband Butterfly is safer to add to a reef than most other butterflies. It picks at coral here and there but it rarely causes damage to the reef.

 

[Sea Turtle]

The guy at my lfs has told me to stay away from them. i guess they are hit or miss. You never know???

 

[Anonymous]

They are reef-safe but often die within a week.

 

[Ben1]

Once they are eating well (which is the trick) and established they are hardy, but can turn on corals eventually. Like all semi reef safe fish they can be fine for years then decide to take a liking to your corals. Of course some never do and remain safe every fish is different. That said I love them, beautiful fish thats active and not to shy. They will usually east small aiptasia as well.

 

[jlneng]

I have a copperbanded butterfly in the tank for 2 years. It really stays away from the corals. Mostly picks for stuff on the bottom. Mine even eats formula 1 small pellets off of the bottom. Coolest fish that I own...

 

[Anonymous]

I am going to try a CBB in my 125. Once my LFS gets him in I will let you know how it goes.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Good luck. I have always liked those fish and would love to have one. Let us know how it goes. Maybe I will try one out as well.

 

[mutley29]

I'm on my second CBB, first one developed an infection from which it never recovered, had him 2 1/2 yrs, my second one is doing really well, i have zero aiptasia in my display, which was one of the reasons for getting one in the first place.

When looking for one at your LFS make sure the mouth is undamaged, i've seen several with damaged mouths from shipping starve to death.

They are a beautiful fish, the only problem i ever had was with my first CBB taking a huge chunk out of a Blood shrimp i had, needless to say it finished off the $30 shrimp dinner before my eyes. 8O

HTH

 

[FifeReef]

I've had mine now for almost 2 years with no problem. Doesn't seem to bother anything in the tank. I originally got him to try and control aiptasia. He ignored them for the first couple of weeks I had him. Then one day I came home and there wasn't a trace of aiptasia anywhere. IMO, as long as you choose a healthy specimen, you'd be fine.

 

[Anonymous]

They will almost all go after featherduster worms of any size and may also go after clams.
I miss mine. Hmmm...

 

[Sea Turtle]

They will almost all go after featherduster worms of any size and may also go after clams.
I miss mine. Hmmm...

They will pick away at clams? I was not aware of that. I guess that really rules them out for me then.

 

[Anonymous]

I have two clams and are willing to add one anyway. If I must I will move the clams out. I am also looking forward to a near aiptasia free tank.