Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Hard care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Copperband Butterflyfish displays striking vertical orange-yellow bands with thin black outlines crossing a pale white to silver body. The snout is notably elongated and slightly downturned, a distinctive feature that aids in feeding on small crustaceans in crevices. A dark spot with an orange ring appears near the dorsal fin, resembling an eye.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched frozen copepods, and finely chopped clams. Butterflyfish may initially be reluctant feeders in captivity and benefit from live foods like amphipods and copepods during acclimation.
Difficulty and care for the Copperband Butterflyfish
Copperband Butterflyfish are challenging to maintain due to their specialized feeding requirements, reluctance to acclimate to captivity, and susceptibility to marine ich and other parasites. Success requires excellent water quality, live rock for natural food sources, and patient acclimation with live foods.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Bacterial Infections, Fungal Diseases
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Great Barrier Reef and Indonesia, found in coral reef environments at depths of 5-50 meters.
Log Copperband Butterflyfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Copperband Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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