Copperband Butterflyfish 

Also known as Beaked Coralfish, Banded Longsnout Butterflyfish

The Copperband Butterflyfish is one of the most recognizable and sought-after marine fish, displaying stunning copper-orange vertical bands and an elongated snout. While challenging to maintain, this species is highly valued for its beauty and its ability to control nuisance Aiptasia anemones.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chelmon rostratus
• Common Names: Copperband Butterflyfish, Beaked Coralfish
• Adult Size: Up to 8 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care (often shorter due to feeding difficulties)
• Temperament: Peaceful but can be territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; may nip at soft corals and small inverts but generally reef safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Advanced; challenging to acclimate and feed

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock with abundant hiding places and natural food sources. This species uses its elongated snout to probe crevices for food. Requires well-established, mature tanks with stable conditions.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Pristine water quality is critical
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • High-quality protein skimmer
  • Excellent filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation
  • UV sterilizer (recommended to reduce parasite load) Maintaining excellent water quality is essential for success.

Diet & Feeding

Copperband Butterflyfish can be difficult to feed initially. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets (once fully acclimated)
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped clams, marine cuisine, vitamin-soaked foods
• Live Foods: Live blackworms, live brine shrimp, Aiptasia anemones (often necessary initially)
• Natural Foraging: Benefits from live rock with microfauna, tube worms, small crustaceans
• Feeding Frequency: 3-4 times daily once feeding consistently
• Special Note: May refuse all foods initially; patience and variety are critical

Notes & Considerations

• Challenging species requiring significant patience during acclimation period.
• Highly effective at controlling Aiptasia anemones; often added specifically for this purpose.
• Very sensitive to poor water quality and prone to parasitic infections.
• It may take days or weeks to begin accepting prepared foods.
• Elongated snout is delicate and can be damaged during shipping or by aggressive tankmates.
• Territorial toward other Copperbands; only one per tank unless mated pair.
• Generally peaceful toward other species but should not be kept with aggressive fish.
• Secure aquarium lid recommended; can jump when stressed.
• Not recommended for new aquariums; requires mature, stable systems.
• Success rate greatly improve with quarantined, feeding specimens.

Why Choose a Quarantined Copperband Butterflyfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and MOST IMPORTANTLY conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale. This dramatically increases your chances of long-term success with this challenging but spectacular species.