Coral Reef
Butterflyfish
More details
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Copperband Butterflyfish is an iconic saltwater species known for its long snout, vivid copper-orange bands, and striking vertical eye stripe. Graceful yet challenging, it requires pristine conditions and a patient aquarist—but its elegance and utility in controlling pests like Aiptasia make it a sought-after centerpiece.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Delicate eater, sensitive to tank transitions, and slow to acclimate. Requires specialized feeding attention and stable parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught in most cases; captive breeding is extremely rare. Ethical sourcing is crucial to avoid ecosystem damage.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Commonly found in coastal reefs, estuaries, and lagoons with sandy bottoms and coral outcroppings.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its long, slender snout and vibrant vertical copper bands make it one of the most visually elegant butterflyfish. Moves slowly with deliberate fin extensions and shows inquisitive behavior when foraging.
Purpose
Acts as a natural predator of pest anemones like Aiptasia, making it functionally valuable in reef systems. Also a stunning focal point due to its unique profile and coloration.
Importance
A benchmark species for experienced aquarists seeking a balance of aesthetics and utility. Its delicate nature demands strong attention to feeding and tank mates, promoting expert-level husbandry.
Included Resources
Requires live rock with microfauna, established biofilm, and often live foods to initiate feeding. Strong biological filtration, low aggression tankmates, and visual cover are critical.
Best Use Cases
Reef tanks with Aiptasia issues, large peaceful marine aquariums, or Indo-Pacific biotopes. Avoids overly aggressive environments.
Conservation Context
Overharvested in some regions due to popularity and delicate transport success rates. Choose fish from sustainable or short-chain suppliers. Coral reef health is key to their wild survival.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Peaceful tangs (Kole, Tomini)
• Fairy and flasher wrasses
• Firefish and gobies
• Anthias
• Cleaner shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: -18.2871° S
• Longitude: 147.6992° E
(Great Barrier Reef, Australia – shallow reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia – patch reefs and lagoons)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Delicate eater, sensitive to tank transitions, and slow to acclimate. Requires specialized feeding attention and stable parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught in most cases; captive breeding is extremely rare. Ethical sourcing is crucial to avoid ecosystem damage.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Commonly found in coastal reefs, estuaries, and lagoons with sandy bottoms and coral outcroppings.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its long, slender snout and vibrant vertical copper bands make it one of the most visually elegant butterflyfish. Moves slowly with deliberate fin extensions and shows inquisitive behavior when foraging.
Purpose
Acts as a natural predator of pest anemones like Aiptasia, making it functionally valuable in reef systems. Also a stunning focal point due to its unique profile and coloration.
Importance
A benchmark species for experienced aquarists seeking a balance of aesthetics and utility. Its delicate nature demands strong attention to feeding and tank mates, promoting expert-level husbandry.
Included Resources
Requires live rock with microfauna, established biofilm, and often live foods to initiate feeding. Strong biological filtration, low aggression tankmates, and visual cover are critical.
Best Use Cases
Reef tanks with Aiptasia issues, large peaceful marine aquariums, or Indo-Pacific biotopes. Avoids overly aggressive environments.
Conservation Context
Overharvested in some regions due to popularity and delicate transport success rates. Choose fish from sustainable or short-chain suppliers. Coral reef health is key to their wild survival.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Peaceful tangs (Kole, Tomini)
• Fairy and flasher wrasses
• Firefish and gobies
• Anthias
• Cleaner shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: -18.2871° S
• Longitude: 147.6992° E
(Great Barrier Reef, Australia – shallow reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia – patch reefs and lagoons)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Delicate eater, sensitive to tank transitions, and slow to acclimate. Requires specialized feeding attention and stable parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught in most cases; captive breeding is extremely rare. Ethical sourcing is crucial to avoid ecosystem damage.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Commonly found in coastal reefs, estuaries, and lagoons with sandy bottoms and coral outcroppings.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Its long, slender snout and vibrant vertical copper bands make it one of the most visually elegant butterflyfish. Moves slowly with deliberate fin extensions and shows inquisitive behavior when foraging.
Purpose
Acts as a natural predator of pest anemones like Aiptasia, making it functionally valuable in reef systems. Also a stunning focal point due to its unique profile and coloration.
Importance
A benchmark species for experienced aquarists seeking a balance of aesthetics and utility. Its delicate nature demands strong attention to feeding and tank mates, promoting expert-level husbandry.
Included Resources
Requires live rock with microfauna, established biofilm, and often live foods to initiate feeding. Strong biological filtration, low aggression tankmates, and visual cover are critical.
Best Use Cases
Reef tanks with Aiptasia issues, large peaceful marine aquariums, or Indo-Pacific biotopes. Avoids overly aggressive environments.
Conservation Context
Overharvested in some regions due to popularity and delicate transport success rates. Choose fish from sustainable or short-chain suppliers. Coral reef health is key to their wild survival.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Peaceful tangs (Kole, Tomini)
• Fairy and flasher wrasses
• Firefish and gobies
• Anthias
• Cleaner shrimp
Region (A)
• Latitude: -18.2871° S
• Longitude: 147.6992° E
(Great Barrier Reef, Australia – shallow reef slopes)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia – patch reefs and lagoons)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Region
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