Copperband butterflyfish
Chelmon rostratus · Chaetodontidae
Also known as Beaked coralfish
Advanced
Best-known Aiptasia eater, but a fussy feeder that needs a settled, quiet tank.
In short: A copperband butterflyfish needs at least 300 L (79 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 20 cm (7.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe with caution
- With corals
- Picks at LPS polyps, feather dusters and clams.
- With inverts
- Eats tube worms and small inverts.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Aggression
- Timid; loses out at feeding time.
- Feeding
- Two or three small feeds daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — live blackworms, mysis, clam on the half shell, Aiptasia.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-West Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Silty inshore reefs
- Natural conditions
- Moderate flow, calm tank mates.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- TangsClownfishWrasses
- Avoid
- Aggressive damselsTriggersOther butterflyfish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- No external difference.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- StarvationMarine ichInternal parasites
Will it fit your tank?
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