Butterfly fish : most likely for reef tank.

[michealprater]

In your opinion, what butterfly could most likely be kept in a reef tank?

 

[sumphead]

I have a copperband in my reef. Though he has devistated every small featherduster in the tank, he is well fed and bothers nothing else. I was warned about small polyps such as zoos and button but I have had no issues at all. I see him eat the occasional bristleworm which doesn't hurt my feelings but I prefer he didn't for the fauna reasons. I think if well fed they do just fine in reef tanks, especially SPS tanks.

HTH
R-

 

[reefrunner69]

Copperband butterfly
four eyed butterfly
Carribean reef butterfly

I seem to remember reading that tinkers butterflies were reef safe, if you wanna pay the price for one, but that deserves some research first, not sure on that one. I would also point out that IMO, no butterfly is "reef safe", those metioned above are considered reef friendly.

 

[michealprater]

You know me, I like to twist and bend the rules as much as possible. I have had a Regal Angel in my tank for over two weeks and he has yet to touch a coral of any kind. Of course, he is a freak, he prefers flake food over frozen.

 

[SquishyFish]

Heneochus Butterflies are reef safe. They are 100% plantonic. Its a certain type of butterfly though, but they are pretty easy to identify once you know what to look for.

Squishy

 

[quarryshark]

The Heniochus acuminatus has the possibility of being a Coral picker. The Heniochus diphreutes is a Zooplanktivore. Hard to tell them apart, but the Heniochus d. has a smaller mouth and a more rounded breat area. I just purchased 2 and am hoping they are the latter. I believe they are , keeping my finger crossed.

 

[SquishyFish]

The easiest way to tell is that the center black stripe ends at the bottom point of the triangle... if you think of the fish as a triangle.... l> ...There, thats my fish... number the points clockwise. 1 on the top, 2 on the right, 3 at the bottom. The stripe should end right at the 3rd point of the triangle. If thats the case...you have a plankton eater.

 

[quarryshark]

Great tip thanks!! I'll check that tonight. Its a tough ID otherwise.

PS: of course if what they eat is a sign, I'm in trouble. The one thats eating chows on EVERYTHING I offer.
The other is being treated for illness.

 

[SquishyFish]

KUDOS!

 

[quarryshark]

10 of them at ya.

 

[SquishyFish]