Copperband Butterflyfish
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[edit] Copperband ButterflyfishMax. Size: 7.9 inches Tank Size: 75 gallons Aggression: not very, unless with conspecifics Hardiness: poor - not for the beginner Reef-Safe: may pick at some soft corals, LPS, clams, zoanthids, and definately will eat all feather dusters. Available as captive-bred: (ADD HERE) |
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Copperband Butterflyfish
One of the best known and desired of all saltwater fish. Copperbands for decades have been centerpieces of displays around the world. but they are not for the beginner aquarist, or for those not wanting to go the extra mile for their care.
This fish may not be a suitable addition as they are more delicate, shy until comfortable in their surroundings, and tend to do poorly in the home aquarium, due to refusal of foods. Those that settle in and eat frozen and fresh foods are a wonderful addition. They have been known to eat the pest anemone Aiptasia but not always.
Copperbands, along with all Butterflyfish, are browsers. this means they cruise the reef poking and nibbling off the rocks and, in our case the corals. They are especially fond of clam and the feediing tenticles of LPS. In some cases it may look like they are eating zoanthids or other encrusting polyps, but in fact they are going for the copepods underneath. But, they are commonly observed nipping open brains and other LPS polyps. Decorative clams and feather dusters are also on the menu.
Physical Description
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Distribution
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Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
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Behavior
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Feeding
Because these fish are very finicky eaters at best, it is important that you make sure it is eating at least frozen mysis before you bring it home; even then there is no gaurantee it will continue to eat. These fish are very sensitive and can go on a hunger strike for no apparent reason. Other acceptable foods are: raw calms on the half-shell, and a homemade mush consisting of 75% shell fish and 25% shelled shrimp (freshly blended then frozen into thin sheets) work well. These fish have a huge appetite and must be fed several times per day or they will starve to death even if they are eating. They have also been used for a means of control for aiptasia but mostly a hit and miss. They pick at live rock for worms and other invertebrates. it is recommended that one has a very established tank with lots of invertebrates for the CBB to pick at.
Breeding
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Social Structure
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Current Views
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Additional Notes
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