fish042099
New member
I have a 100 gallon tank with a raccoon butterflyfish about 5'' long. Could i keep maybe 1 or 2 other types of butterflyfish in that tank? Here is a pic of the fish:
Butterflyfish together
- Thread starter fish042099
- Start date
Dr Colliebreath
New member
Yes. It depends on the individual fish, but most butterflies aren't particularly aggressive. Mix butterflies that don't look too much alike (color and shape). I have a falcula, double saddleback, saddleback, long nose and copperband. Other than at acclimation, I haven't had any aggression except at feeding time and even then it wasn't significant (some chasing and nipping, but no damage) and finally stopped.
What are you thinking of adding?
What are you thinking of adding?
fish042099
New member
I am thinking of adding a double saddle butterfly(chaetodon ulietensis).
fish042099
New member
So, would they work together?
Dr Colliebreath
New member
I think you have a good chance with those two, but keep in mind that it really depends on the individual fish. Their body shapes are somewhat similar but their markings are completely different, which is good. Also, the raccoon is somewhat nocturnal. My ulietensis is my most assertive fish and likely wouldn't have any trouble being put in a tank after other butterflies.
I assume you have a fish only tank as neither the raccoon nor the ulietensis is reef safe.
You might also consider a falcula. I like its looks a bit better than the ulietensis (particularly the broad yellow area across its back).
I assume you have a fish only tank as neither the raccoon nor the ulietensis is reef safe.
You might also consider a falcula. I like its looks a bit better than the ulietensis (particularly the broad yellow area across its back).
fish042099
New member
Also either a teardrop or Auriga btfly?
Dr Colliebreath
New member
Yes. I would prefer the auriga as it is very hardy for a butterflyfish, but it is not reef safe.
Butterflies can be surprisingly aggressive to each other. The aggression can develop over time, IME, as well. Your best bet is to choose different looking ones, as mentioned, and also to simply have a fish trap on hand that you are proficient at using, just in case someone needs to be removed.
fish042099
New member
IMO the racoon and Auriga are really different, same with the saddleback. Also I'm gonna add the auriga as the last btfly. Which is hardier-the falcula or saddleback?
hehe, well, unfortunately, as already mentioned, it's up to the individual fish's opinion, not ours
I think saddlebacks and falcula's are both equally, only moderately hardy.
fish042099
New member
K, that's good news..There was a really nice 3.5" specimen at my LFS on Saturday, hope it's still there. Alo, I might add a pyramid butterfly as well. What order should I add the butterflies?
fish042099
New member
I'm just trying to compose a stock list, so when he is cured I can start aiding fish, rather than making one after he is better. It takes me a long time to create stock list-I won't be satisfied until I make it just the way I want it.
Dr Colliebreath
New member
hehe, well, unfortunately, as already mentioned, it's up to the individual fish's opinion, not ours
I think saddlebacks and falcula's are both equally, only moderately hardy.
I agree. The raccoon and Amiga are at a similar hardiness level and at the top for butterflies (along with some others). The saddlebacks and falcula are at a moderately hardy level and about the same hardness (that is, the falcula, ulietensis and saddleback are all about the same hardness).
LukFox
Active member
Oh I agree on that point, that's just fine to make a stock list now. I was just saying it sounded like you were rushing on that 3.5" butterfly at your LFS because I'm pretty sure it won't be there in 4-12 weeks (depending on the type of treatment you use) when your fish are cured.
fish042099
New member
Yeah, I know. I've learned that the hard way. I traveled all the way to the LFS just to see that it had been sold that morning.
fish042099
New member
Saddleback is the ulietensis, if you mean the double saddle.Also, by Amiga do you mean auriga?
Last edited:
Oh, then let me correct myself.
ulietensis and auriga are both VERY hardy. But IME look too much alike, and will fight. I had the same combo, and eventually I had to remove one.
Dr Colliebreath
New member
Alexa is warning you that you have at least a 4 week process ahead in correcting the problem you have, and likely much more (maybe 10 weeks).
It is nice to plan ahead, but you have a lot of work to do. You need to get your diseased fish properly treated with Cupramine and a quarantine tank ready for whatever additional fish you buy. Good luck.
It is nice to plan ahead, but you have a lot of work to do. You need to get your diseased fish properly treated with Cupramine and a quarantine tank ready for whatever additional fish you buy. Good luck.
Dr Colliebreath
New member
The common name for the ulietensis is the double saddleback. The saddleback is a different fish.
It seems that we are all so eager to help that we are posting on top of one another.
It seems that we are all so eager to help that we are posting on top of one another.
Similar threads
