Copperband Butterfly
Copperband Butterfly
Copperband Butterfly: A Graceful Addition to Your Reef Aquarium
Elevate the elegance of your marine sanctuary with the Copperband Butterfly (Chelmon rostratus), a stunning and graceful swimmer known for its distinctive long, narrow snout and vibrant vertical orange bands. This exquisite butterflyfish is a must-have for reef aquarium hobbyists seeking to add a touch of sophistication and dynamic beauty to their underwater world.
### Care Requirements
Creating the ideal environment for your Copperband Butterfly is essential for its health and wellbeing. These fish thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters. Maintain a temperature range of 72-78°F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity between 1.020-1.025 specific gravity. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and ensure comfortable territory for this active swimmer.
### Feeding and Nutrition
Copperband Butterflies are carnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. They primarily feed on live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and black worms. Gradually acclimate them to frozen and prepared foods, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet. Regular feeding will keep their vibrant colors and maintain their overall health.
### Compatibility and Reef Suitability
The Copperband Butterfly is generally reef-safe but may occasionally nip at soft corals and small invertebrates. Exercise caution when introducing them into a tank with delicate corals or valuable invertebrates. They are peaceful in nature and can coexist with other non-aggressive species, making them suitable companions for a well-curated community tank.
### Why Choose Copperband Butterfly?
- **Striking Appearance**: Their vivid coloration and unique body shape make them a visual centerpiece in any aquarium.
- **Peaceful Nature**: Ideal for community tanks, these butterflies seamlessly integrate with other non-aggressive species.
- **Enrichment for Experienced Hobbyists**: Perfect for aquarists looking to challenge their skills and knowledge with a captivating species.
Introduce the Copperband Butterfly into your reef aquarium and watch as it transforms your aquatic landscape into a mesmerizing display of color and elegance. With the right care and attention, this beautiful species will become a cherished member of your marine family.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
Share
