Butterfly Fish in a reef

[snorvich]

I would like one or two more butterfly fish in a 350 gallon reef (euphyllia, montipora capricornis, gorgonians) which contains: scribbled angel (small), blue face angel (teen ager, transitioning), Imperator (juvenile), a pair of C. semilarvatus (3-4 inches), 10 resplendant anthias, C. marginalis (small), C. collare (3 inches), C. declivis, all of which are getting along just fine. I am considering: Chaetodon falcula which I like, Chaetodon trichrous, Chaetodon ephippium which appeals to me visually. Since I have NO experience with any of these three, which one or two might go well with what I have now. Or should I stick with what I have.

 

[mrwilson]

Sounds like an incredible tank. Have you thought about trying to pair the collare or the declivis?

 

[LemonLemon]

C. falcula is my favourite amongst the 3 you listed. it's just visually the most stunning. but it's reef-safe qualities are much to be sought after. i've had one that just ate up all my SPS, nibbling them non stop until they STN and died. granted i don't have much SPS... it could also be individual fish.

 

[snorvich]

C. falcula is my favourite amongst the 3 you listed. it's just visually the most stunning. but it's reef-safe qualities are much to be sought after. i've had one that just ate up all my SPS, nibbling them non stop until they STN and died. granted i don't have much SPS... it could also be individual fish.

Yes, I visually like that fish as well. Do you think it would eat my montipora capricornis and Euphylia?

 

[tcmfish]

Remember this discussion He's got the species wrong, check it out:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/10/aaeditorial/view?searchterm=Chaetodon

Reef... C. falcula...

 

[SDguy]

I'd say do this like with angels. Try them out. If there is a problem, either remove the fish, or that type of coral. IMO they are totally worth it

 

[LemonLemon]

Yes, I visually like that fish as well. Do you think it would eat my montipora capricornis and Euphylia?

IMO, euphyllias, no.

I've had nothing touch my euphyllias up till now. they seem to be very unpopular with fishes.

montipora, maybe some nipping. I've seen C. ulitensis nip montiporas like crazy, but not falcula. since they are so similar, maybe yes.

but i would take the risk anyway.

Like SDguy, i'm a butterfly lover too and my tank is Butterfly and wrasse dominated.

Butterflies > corals.

 

[snorvich]

Remember this discussion He's got the species wrong, check it out:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/10/aaeditorial/view?searchterm=Chaetodon

Reef... C. falcula...

Actually I vaguely did remember this but I don't think it crossed my mind. I think I am going to go ahead with C. falcula.

 

[jarrod13]

I've been thinking of trying the same thing, except I have more softies. Are they more prone to nip that? I like c. falcula and c. mitratus

 

[aquaph8]

Steve, any updates on this.

 

[snorvich]

Well, C. marginalis, C. semilarvatus pair, C. delivis are all doing well together. I am still thinking about two more but am unsure which ones.

 

[iceh]

Well, C. marginalis, C. semilarvatus pair, C. delivis are all doing well together. I am still thinking about two more but am unsure which ones.

Can you post some pics of your C. declivis. Has to be my favorite fish, hands down. How is he in your reef? Does he nibble on anything?