Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon Rostratus)

Species Name : Chelmon Rostratus

Care Level : Difficult

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 8»

Origin : Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore

Family : Chaetodontidae

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon Rostratus), also known as the Beaked Coral Fish, is found in reefs in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

These fish are easily identified by the yellow banding and long snout. The young fish are similar in appearance to adult fish. Butterflyfish grow up to 20 cm in length. The fish appears taller than its length because of its compressed, deep-bodied form with a long dorsal and posterior fins as well as its vertical yellow stripes on a white background. The snout is long and slender, and the dark eye of the fish is less conspicuous than the dark eye-spot on the dorsal fin. The base of the tail features a dark band that runs perpendicular to the tail.

It is best housed in very large reefs or peaceful 125 gallon community tanks. As far as water quality is concerned, plan for good filtration and strong stirring.

It should be kept singly, not with conspecifics or similar butterflyfish, and should not be kept with any stress-inducing fish. Caution should be exercised if housing these fish in a reef aquarium. They may pick on invertebrates, especially anemones and feather dusters. They are an excellent fish when used to control aiptasia, or glass anemones, in the reef aquarium.

The Copperband Butterflyfish is a difficult fish to feed; it is a shy and deliberate feeder that may need a variety of foods offered to it in order to start feeding. Feed enriched brine shrimp, live clams , mysis shrimp and any frozen carnivore preparations. Adding algae to their diet will give them things to graze on, mimicking their wild eating behavior and improving their immune systems.

Size: Small: 2 to 2 3/4"; Medium: 3" to 4 1/4"; Large: 4 1/4" to 5"; Extra Large: 5" to 5 3/4"