Marine Fish
BY March 24, 2025

How to Care for Your Copperband Butterfly Fish: A Beginner’s Guide

Temp

24-28°C

Food

Mysis Shrimp, Clams, Masstick

Flow

Low to Moderate

Difficulty

Intermediate

The copperband butterfly fish, with its striking yellow and white stripes and elegant, elongated snout, is a breathtaking addition to any marine aquarium. Hailing from the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this species (Chelmon rostratus) captivates with its unique appearance and graceful movements. I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your copperband butterfly fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.

Choosing Your Copperband Butterfly Fish

Before bringing one home, ensure you pick a healthy specimen. Look for a fish that’s active and alert, with clear eyes, intact fins, and vivid colours. Steer clear of any that seem sluggish or show signs of parasites or damage. It’s worth asking the shop staff if the fish is already eating prepared foods—those that do will settle into your tank more easily.
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank

Your copperband butterfly fish needs plenty of space to feel at home. A tank of at least 280 litres (75 gallons) is ideal, as these fish can reach 20 cm in length and love to swim. Mimic their natural reef habitat by adding live rock, which not only offers hiding spots but also aids water quality through biological filtration. Arrange the rocks to form caves and overhangs—perfect for a shy fish to retreat to. Keep water conditions stable: aim for a temperature of 24-28°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. A good heater and filtration system are must-haves, and always test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels before introducing your fish.

Feeding Your Copperband Butterfly Fish

Feeding these beauties can be a bit of a challenge—they’re notoriously picky! In the wild, they snack on invertebrates like worms and small crustaceans. At home, they might take to frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or chopped seafood. Variety is key to keeping them healthy, so mix it up. Try feeding twice a day, but watch your fish to gauge the right amount—overfeeding can muck up your water. If they’re hesitant, tempt them with live blackworms or soak frozen food in garlic extract to boost their appetite. Any leftovers? Scoop them out after a few minutes.

Health and Maintenance

Copperband butterfly fish can fall prey to diseases like ich or marine velvet, so prevention is your best friend. Quarantine new arrivals before adding them to your main tank, and keep water quality top-notch with regular 10-20% changes every fortnight. Watch for stress signals—rapid breathing, faded colours, or odd swimming—and check your water parameters if something seems off. They’re peaceful fish but can get territorial with their own kind, so stick to one per tank unless yours is massive. Pair them with calm tank mates to avoid any drama.

Caring for a copperband butterfly fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own copperband tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Marine Fish

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