Butterfly Fish

[Foody]

I am interested in a Butterfly fish. A bit of reading suggests they could be hazardous to the health of my corals. Does anybody have a particular variety along with corals and/or anemones? What are your experiences with it?

 

[kingfisherflesh]

Chaetodon kleini is considered to be one of the most reef safe fish in the trade, but it is known to nip at soft corals.

Then again, so are most rabbitfish, and yet by and large most people consider them reef safe.

Hope this helps,

 

[kingfisherflesh]

By "...most reef safe in the trade." I meant most reef safe member of the family Chaetodontidae. Needed clarification.

 

[cardiffgiant]

The Klein that I picked up nipped nearly every coral in my tank. SPS, LPS, softies, everything. I had copper banded that did well with corals, but they generally don't last long in captivity.

 

[tmz]

I've had a pyramid butterfly(Hemitaurichthys polyleps) for over 5years in my lps/leather tank without issues. Pretty hardy too.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've had a pyramid butterfly(Hemitaurichthys polyleps) for over 5years in my lps/leather tank without issues. Pretty hardy too.

Planktivorous Chaetodonts such as the Pyramid Butterflyfish are probably the most reef compatible species.

Butterflyfish (as a whole) run the gamut from being corallivores (eating corals exclusively) to omnivores (eating anything) and everything in between so it's best to research particular species for compatibilities.

The Klein's Butterflyfish in my reef aquarium is easily the most destructive fish I have. My Copperband is far less destructive and does not pick at corals or anemones at all.

Search will reveal tons of posts on these two and others.