Butterflies for Reef Aquariums

[kebber1223]

Has anyone had any success with butterfly fish in a reef tank? Are they forbidden because they eat certain corals like polyps or do they all pick at SPS and LPS corals? I would like to get a butterfly fish, but have been told and read that none are suitable for a reef aqaurium. Can someone advise on this topic?

Thanks

 

[fast eddie]

I have a copperband in my reef tank it has been fine. my lfs told me it is one of the
butterflys you will see in your lfs that you can keep in your reef tank

 

[loohunter]

it all depends, fish are individuals and do what they want. i have a butterfly and an angel fish in my reef with zero probs. i do keep them very well fed and that helps alot. if i cut back on the feeding then zoa's start to get nipped

 

[balogh03]

it all depends, fish are individuals and do what they want. i have a butterfly and an angel fish in my reef with zero probs. i do keep them very well fed and that helps alot. if i cut back on the feeding then zoa's start to get nipped

Perefectly said...All though there are some that are deffinently better then others, for the most part it is hit and miss and you wont know until you have that exact specimen. I have a heniochus in my 100gal softy that does just fine, but I have also heard horror stories about them in reefs. I would suggest picking up "Angelfish & Butterfly's; Scott Micheals". Normally there is some good deals on amazon.

Thanks, and good luck.

-augustus

 

[returnofsid]

I believe Kevin and Charlie both have Pyramid Butterflies in their reef tanks with no problems at all. Kevin's told me these Butterlies are perfectly reef safe.

 

[The Apprentice]

Klein`s Butterflyfish?

Has any one had a Orange Butterfly - Chaetodon kleini Also known as: Klein`s Butterflyfish?
And how's was their behavior
Hope i didn't derail you thread Kebber
Thank you for any input
Jeff

 

[mfinn]

I used a Kleins Butterfly to help clean up aptasia's and majano anemones in a tank I had.
Also on the menu was most of the button polyps I had in the tank.

 

[The Apprentice]

Thanks for the Info Finn

I used a Kleins Butterfly to help clean up aptasia's and majano anemones in a tank I had.
Also on the menu was most of the button polyps I had in the tank.

I wounder if it would leave Red Bubble tip anemones alone?

 

[mfinn]

I wounder if it would leave Red Bubble tip anemones alone?

I would think that if the butterfly was well fed and the anemone has a pair of clowns to defend it, that the butterfly would leave it alone.

But that's just a guess.