Copperband butterflyfish
The Copperband Butterflyfish, Chelmon rostratus, also commonly called the Beak Coralfish is found in reefs in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This butterflyfish is one of the three species in the genus Chelmon, all being known for having longer beaks.
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| Copperband butterflyfish |
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Description
These fish are easily identified by the yellow banding and long snout, juveniles being similar to adults. They grow up to 20 cm in length Appears taller than it is long because of its compressed, deep-bidied form, long dorsal and anal fins, and vertical yellow stripes on a white background. The snout is long and slender, and the dark eye is less conspicuous than the dark eye-spot on the dorsal fin. There is also a dark band at the base of the tail.
Habit and habitat
Found at depths of 1-25 metres either singly or in pairs, forming monogamous pairs during breeding. They are usually found on coral reefs or rocky shorelines, and also in estuaries and silty inner reefs. This species is territorial and oviparous.
Points of note
They may be distinguished from the similar Chelmon marginalis by their color pattern and number of dorsal fin rays.
In the aquarium
Copperband butterflyfish can grow to 8 inches (20 cm) but in a home aquarium are usually found at half that size.They do well at a normal reef temperature range of 75 to 84 °F (24 to 29 °C), with a tank size of at least 75 gallons with lots of live rock to graze on. This species can be considered reef safe. It will eat many invertebrates, including parasitic forms such as Calliactis parasitica and common glass anemone (aiptasia) (Parasitic anemone).The Aiptasia is the last choice of food though; all tube and substrate worms,clams,mollusks are its prey. This is not a recommended fish for inexperienced aquarists, as it requires excellent tank conditions to thrive or even survive.