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Copperband Butterflyfish
Chelmon rostratus
 
The Copperband Butterflyfish is a difficult fish to keep and is recommended only for experienced saltwater hobbyists.  The Copperband Butterfly fish is best introduced to an established reef environment that has been stabilized for months. Acclimation to a new home in your tank may take quite some time. This butterflyfish is a beautiful fish and where appropriate makes a great addition to your tank. It's colors are riviting and watching it swim along the rocks is a fantastic treat. It's long snount appears to be specifically designed to reach deep into cracks in the rocks to retrieve a meal.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Size 
6 - 8 inches
Temp
72F - 78F  
pH 
8.1 - 8.3 
Specific Gravity 
1.020 -1.025 
Hardness 
8 - 12 dkH 
Compatibility 
Semi-aggressive towards other butterflyfishes. Keep with mild mannered tank mates.
Min. Tank Size 
50 gal. with plenty of room to swim around in. This fish benefits  from peaceful surroundings and plenty of places to hide in.
Diet 
Carnivore; is known to devour aiptasia (better know as glass anemones). This fish is also a very picky eater. You may need to try multiple foods including live and frozen meals.
Reef Suitability 
Somewhat spotty record. This fish is known to pick at soft corals, feather dusters and other invertebrates.
Sexing 
Difficult / Impossible
Breeding 
It's very unlikely that you will get Copperband Butterflyfish to reproduce in a  home aquarium
Difficulty Level 
8 on a 1 to 10 (10 being the most difficult) scale. Make sure  your tank is stabilized and has a reasonable population of small critters for this fish to eat. You will most likely have to figure out exactly which foods your Copperband Butterflyfish will eat and then make sure that he gets enough of them while getting used to his new home.