Copperband Butterflyfish Should You Keep One?

[@girohomiata6627]

It is a nice looking fish. Kind of iconic for saltwater fish.

[@beckstroy2431]

Yep. Almost as much as Nemo and Dory.

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

I agree.

[@TH-zb7sh]

I've had mine for 5 years and he does really well. I think several factors contribute to success. 1. Buying a fish you see eating from a reputable lfs. 2. Introducing the fish early in the stock list. 3. Be prepared to suffer through high nutrients as you spoil the fish with all manner of foods. 4. Stationary foods are key to eliciting a feeding response (mine now takes free floating PE mysis, but had to be introduced to this via putting the frozen food inside a nori feeder. 5. Watch Out For Zebrasoma Tangs! I think a lot of people fail introducing CBBs to tanks with existing zebrasomas and the body shape is just too similar. I have a purple tang that was introduced several years after the CBB and I'm still weighing being rid of it purely because it flares at the CBB on occasion. This is actually a hardy fish, I've had Ich in the tank and other maladies and the CBB shrugged off everything before any of the other larger fish such as the angels or tangs, but the prolonged fasting in transit to the fish shop and other things such as beak injury and it's shyness when introduced all contribute to the poor reputation and survival.

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

All good points. Mine was picked on a little by the two tangs, but it slowed down after a few days. My CBB absolutely loves live blackworms. He also happily chases down frozen mysis, and frozen bloodworms. One thing I noticed that he likes is my acans. But I can live with that.

[@queencityreefs]

Copperbands are definitely so tricky. I ended up going the route of paying high dollar for one that had been QTd and conditioned to eat frozen foods. So far so good.

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

That's kinda my philosophy. So far so good. One thing I forgot to mention in my video was that it has become fond of occasionally taking a bite out of my acan colony. But it's a fair trade off for getting rid of the aiptasia in my opinion.

[@Reefer_Matt]

I tried once, but the fish didn’t eat. Thanks for the video!

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

Yep. That was my experience with the first two that I had. At least I know now that live black worms are the secret sauce for them.

[@lkapitan8232]

Ed, how much PAR is down at those beautiful goni's? Thanks

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

Good question. I have to measure it again and let you know. I've completely forgotten what I am running at. I'll try to check tomorrow and let you know.

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

I just checked and the PAR fluctuates between 285 - 305. Funny is I haven't used my Seneye PAR meter in a good while, and kept it under the tank in front of the sump. The USB connector had rusted so bad from the saltwater that I had to sand off the rust from it in order to get it to work again. Needless to say, I am not going to keep it under the tank anymore.

[@lkapitan8232]

@@GwonkReefkeeping thanks, explains why I can't keep goni's, not enough photons.

[@lkapitan8232]

Beautiful and useful fish, congrats on your success. Different subject - Have you heard from Spicy Reef? I have not for months and I am concerned for a guy I have never even met.

[@GwonkReefkeeping]

Thanks. I haven't heard from him in months. I left him a comment a month or two ago just to check on him, asking if he was Ok. I haven't had any response. I've been concerned about him for months. Ironically, I was considering asking you the same question recently. I'm a little worried that something bad has happened in his life. I wish I at least knew his name. All I know is that he's in the Seattle area.