Author Topic: Copper Band Butterfly (Read 4730 times)

referinohio · « **on:** February 05, 2015, 07:43:16 »

Was wanting to know your experiences with these guys. I've always wanted one but always been afraid to get one due to their dismal survival record.
I found a couple at a LFS. One big, one small. Both are eating. The small one brine shrimp. Takes Mysis but spits it out. Might be because the Mysis they are offering are too big for his itty, bitty mouth. I do have smaller mysis.
The bigger one did eat Mysis. Only other concern would be the welcoming comittee in my tank. (namely Yellow Tang and Orange Shoulder Tang.) The bigger one is in with a Clown Tang and does stand his ground when the clown messed with it.
Smaller by itself.
Any input greatly appreciated.

thanks all
Cheers

Miles · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2015, 08:21:17 »

I've never had luck with them. The first one I had would only eat aiptasia, it cleared out the tank then died. I bought one a year or so later that was eating LRS Reef Frenzy. That one mysteriously died while in quarantine. It was eating fine, then one day i come home from work to see that it is having some sort of swim bladder issue. It died within a couple hours. I would really like to get one to take care of aiptasia, but with my prior experience, I am leary of getting another one. If you discover the secret to keeping them, I will be interested in hearing it.

Mussin · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2015, 09:21:47 »

I've had a few in the past.. My favorite fish by far. Longest I've had one live is like 6 months. Very picky eaters. I have one now who eats like a pig. I would get the bigger one if I were you.

referinohio · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2015, 09:57:32 »

What all does it eat ?

Mussin · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2015, 10:55:28 »

It eats mysis, lrs, and picks at marine cuisine.. this is the first one I've seen eat like this.. fingers crossed. .

Steve · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2015, 12:48:31 »

I have kept one for approx 8 years now. He eats like a pig when I feed him what he likes. here is an old post that might help you.

http://www.ohioreef.com/index.php?topic=15195.0

BuckeyeFan · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2015, 19:53:52 »

I have a CB eats everything I feed but won't eat aiptasia?? Anyone else exprence this ?

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2015, 12:50:52 »

If it's not hungry enough, it may never try them to acquire the taste.

Steve · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2015, 18:21:05 »

Quote from: Wall_Tank on February 27, 2015, 12:50:52

If it's not hungry enough, it may never try them to acquire the taste.

+1. I have a yellow tang that eats bubble algae, but only when it is hungry. If I keep it fat and happy it won't touch it, cut it's food back a little and it eats it. I have had the same experience with emerald crabs and bubble algae and peppermint shrimp and aptasia. I have heard a lot of people state they had peppermints that wont eat aptasia, but I have never seen a hungry one that wouldn't.

referinohio · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2015, 05:41:40 »

Well, pulled the trigger on one of these last night.
It destroyed frozen Mysis at the store so hopefully got a good one.
Fingers crossed. Surprisingly my Tangs didn't care a bit about their new roomate.

CoralBeauties · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2015, 10:28:37 »

Thats a sweet looking fish. I have always really liked these guys. Let us know how it does in your tank.
Jeff

referinohio · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2015, 19:56:21 »

So far, so good.
It actually ate today.
Got some frozen blood worms which it found irresistible.
Constantly grazing on the LR.

referinohio · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2015, 15:49:10 »

This thing is a PIG!
Eating the Bloodworms, Brine and Mysis now.

Mussin · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2015, 18:35:14 »

Where did you get frozen blood worms?

referinohio · « **Reply #14 on:** March 02, 2015, 15:04:18 »

Got them at the Jacks on Smithville.
Actually buy one get one free now.

referinohio · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2015, 18:20:14 »

R.I.P. Copperband butterfly.

Made it almost 2 weeks. Was eating/doing great through yesterday.
Puzzled???
Won't be trying that again.

Kenn · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2015, 18:25:50 »

Sorry for your loss

Tough fish to keep

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2015, 19:15:15 »

That has been my experience with them too.

Miles · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2015, 19:16:37 »

That is what happened to the last one I had too.

referinohio · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2015, 05:22:32 »

Quote from: mil3sdavis on March 12, 2015, 19:16:37

That is what happened to the last one I had too.

Yeah, I don't get it. THis thing was a pig food wise, no aggression from any tank mates.
Completely baffled.

Mussin · « **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2015, 10:01:20 »

Mine died a couple of days ago as well. That was the last try for me.

Steve · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2015, 22:55:16 »

After having mine for 8 years it has stopped eating and breathing very rapidly. I think old age has caught up with it. I have been very fortunate with mine as it ate like a pig until just a couple days ago, haven't seen an aptasia forever. Not sure if I will do another if this one dies, but not because of the difficulty but because I want to get some clams. We will see.

Steve · « **Reply #22 on:** March 22, 2015, 16:38:28 »

Well my diagnosis I believe was correct. After not eating for over a week it finally has died. I have been blessed to keep this fish for over 8 years. To new comers I truly suggest that you read this whole post and alot of info if considering buying one of these fish. Don't let the looks a of the fish lure you in without research, they can and are tuff to keep. I believe having alot of feather dusters and aptasia, along with the way I fed my CBB helped with its longevity. Now I must decide whether I want to try another one or try clams again.

Kenn · « **Reply #23 on:** March 22, 2015, 16:42:14 »

I'm so sorry to hear that Steve. that butterfly was one of my favorite fish I have ever seen in anyones tank.

However, I would say to you, take your time and get another copper banded butterfly. You have a gift

lazylivin · « **Reply #24 on:** March 23, 2015, 01:30:04 »

Sorry to hear Steve.

2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

Author Topic: Copper Band Butterfly (Read 4730 times)