Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

The Copperband Butterflyfish is one of the most sought-after butterflyfish species in the marine aquarium hobby due to its striking appearance and ability to control pest Aiptasia anemones. With its elongated snout and vibrant silver body adorned with vertical orange-yellow bands, this butterflyfish is both beautiful and functional. However, the Copperband Butterflyfish can be challenging to feed and care for in captivity, and while it is known for eating Aiptasia once trained, it may also nip at corals and clams, making it a mixed option for reef tanks.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 8 inches.
• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum; a spacious tank with live rock for foraging and hiding spots is necessary.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small invertebrates like worms, crustaceans, and Aiptasia anemones. It can be difficult to transition to prepared foods in captivity, but a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and enriched live foods may help it adjust. Frequent feeding is important to ensure its health.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; best kept in a peaceful tank with non-aggressive tankmates. It should be housed with species that won’t outcompete it for food.
• Skill Level: Advanced; the Copperband Butterflyfish can be challenging to feed and requires careful monitoring to ensure it is eating enough. It is recommended for experienced aquarists.
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; while it is excellent for controlling Aiptasia anemones, it may also nip at corals and clams, particularly when not well-fed. Careful monitoring and providing ample food are important if keeping it in a reef setup.

Special Feature - Aiptasia Control
One of the most valuable qualities of the Copperband Butterflyfish is its ability to help control Aiptasia anemones, a common pest in reef tanks. Once trained, this fish can be highly effective at eradicating Aiptasia. However, it may also develop a taste for other invertebrates, such as corals or clams, so its behavior should be closely monitored in reef tanks.

Feeding Challenges
The Copperband Butterflyfish can be difficult to feed in captivity, especially when first introduced. It often requires live or frozen foods to stimulate feeding, and transitioning it to prepared foods can take time. Providing small, frequent feedings of live or frozen foods will help keep this fish healthy and reduce the likelihood of it nipping at corals or clams out of hunger.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Copperband Butterflyfish is known for its striking orange-yellow vertical bands on a silvery-white body, with an elongated snout perfect for picking small invertebrates from crevices. This bright and unique coloration makes it a centerpiece in any marine tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Copperband Butterflyfish is typically found in shallow coastal reefs, where it uses its long snout to probe rock crevices for small invertebrates. It prefers habitats with plenty of hiding spots and live rock.