Chelmon rostratus
| See Talk:Chelmon rostratus for individual experiences with this species, Chelmon rostratus. Feel free to add your own personal experiences. |
| Common Name | |
| Copper-Banded Butterfly | |
| Binomial Name | |
| Chelmon rostratus | |
| |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chelmon |
| Species: | rostratus |
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Common Names
- Copper-Banded Butterfly
Characteristics
Commonly employed in the aquarium purely for the purpose of Aiptasia control. Unfortunately while many CBB do vigorously attack Aiptasia, many do not and therefore should not be thought of as an ideal natural control for this pest. Chaetodon kleinii or Lysmata vittata (Peppermint Shrimp) are the best natural predators for aiptasia.
Nonetheless CBBs are very personable fish and their distinctive appearance is endearing to many hobbyists. Among butterflys, the CBB can be thought of as neither very easy to keep nor very hard. They can also be a tricky fish to acclimate.
Description
Compressed disc shaped body with four orange stripes against a white background. Like many butterflys it has a false eyespot in the rear to distract predators.
Similar Species
Chelmon marginalis looks very similar, but lacks the middle body band.
Maximum Size
Although fishbase.org cites maximum size as 20cm, larger ones have been infrequently seen in local stores.
Associated Organisms
None.
Behaviour
Shy and reclusive at first but with time will become very tame. Can be hand feed. At night will find an area of medium constant flow and "park" its self. It appears to sleep while swimming in this one spot.
Captive Care
Tank Size
Not recommended for tanks less than 4'. The fish are continuously active and require some swimming room and adequate areas to forage.
Water Flow
Can handle high flow environments aslong as there are areas of moderate to low water movement. High water quality is recommended.
Lighting
moderate
Feeding
These fish can initially be difficult to get eating. During quarantine the fish can be trained to eat different foods with live blackworms, or mussel on the half shell attached to LR likely to interest the fish. Live brine may interest smaller butterflys, but many will not initially eat from the water column. Needs to be weened onto frozen to maintain dietary intake. Whole shredded prawn, shelfish and some live food are also long term options.
Growth Rate
Much smaller fish are recommended as they are likely to acclimate better to captive conditions. Growth rate in captivity is unclear.
Diseases
They are prone to various protozoan infections, gill flukes & bacterial infections (Fenner 2001). At the time of purchase be sure to avoid any butterfly with a damaged mouth / snout or any reddened areas.
Other
To ensure long term success with this fish, a healthy specimen should be purchased and taught to eat. Tankmates that are not aggressive will ensure the fish gets enough to feed in the long run. Many CBB appear to fade away around the 6 month mark, possibly due to this.
Anecdotal reports from hobbyists suggest C. marginalis is easier to keep long term.
Gallery
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With Lymphocystis on lower jaw
Compatability
Fish
Does best when housed with placid tankmates. Depending on how the fish is fed, bold tankmates are best avoided as they will outcompete the butterfly. They may also intimidate the fish so that it eats less and slowly starves over several months.
Keep singly or as a true WC pair only.
Coral
Mostly coral safe.
Invertebrate
There are rare anecdotal reports that some individuals nip clam mantles.
Worms form a major part of the adult CBB’s diet, so they will eat various ornamental fanworms and feather dusters. Pods and other small invertebrates are also hunted, especially by juveniles.
Reproduction
How it reproduces, how suitable it is to breeding or captive propagation, techniques on how to etc.
Local Ecology
Distribution
Wide ranging species found in the Pacific Ocean from the Andaman Sea to Australia (fishbase.org)
Habitat
Found in brackish estuarines to marine reef environments in shallow water through to 25m.
Additional Information
These fish are best suited to a reef tank.
Resources
References
Fenner, R., The Conscientious Marine Aquarist, 2001, TFH Publications NJ.
