Home
Copperband Butterfly
Chelmon rostratus
Other Names: Beaked Coralfish, Orange Stripe Butterfly fish
Origin: Indo-Pacific Region, Australia, Indian Ocean
Reef Safe: With Caution Jumper: OccasionallyMax Size: 8"
Reccomended Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperature range: 72-82F
Description:
The Copperband Butterfly fish gets its name from it's shiny copper vertical bands across it's midsection. It's dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins can be copper colored or yellow in coloration. It has a solid dark circle on it's tail fin (likely a false eye), and is solid white everywhere else. The fish has a long beak-like mouth which is well adapted for picking at food in the nooks and crannies of rocks, but not especially well designed for large food chunks.
Diet:
Copperband Butterfly fish can be very pick about their food and getting them to eat initially can be very difficult. It is recommended to purchase only a fish that is already eating at the fish store for maximum chances of survival.
Copperband Butterfly Fish are commonly known to eat aiptasia anemones. While it may be tempting to purchase this fish to remove your pest anemones, it should only be housed in an tank appropriately large enough for it.
Temperament:
The Copperband Butterfly Fish can be some-what aggressive with other fish of it's size. It should only be mixed with other butterfly fish in large systems with caution. The Copperband Butterfly Fish should not be placed in aggressive fish tanks due to it's mild temper and delicate body.
