Can I mix different types of Butterflyfish in one tank?

reefmusic

Active member
I have set up a fish only tank so I can keep fish that I can't put in my reef tank.

Can I keep several different types of butterflyfish, one of each species, in the same tank?

Same question, I guess, for Angelfish, although I think I read this is risky.
 
Yes, depends on the species. Generally, similar looking ones can be aggressive with each other, and some are notoriously mean to all other butterflies.
 
Good, thanks. So are there any guides as to which are good tankmates, or should I just pick ones from different types, e.g. one Chaetodon, one Chelmon, one Forcipiger etc, or can I mix multiple Chaetodons, for example, provided they look quite different?

Oh, and which are the mean ones (so I can avoid them) :) ?
 
I have kept multiple butterflies in the same systems without any issues, but as Peter mentioned there are many variables that determine whether success is likely or not.

Post a couple species that you are interested in and it will be easier to help. :)


~Michael
 
I agree with Michael, maybe post some that you are interested in, to narrow down the field.

WetWebMedia, while somewhat old, still has a great breakdown of easy, moderate, and difficult to care for butterflies. I suggest starting there:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm

That's a good link. First thoughts on the ones I like are ...

Chaetodon auriga - Threadfin, or
Chaetodon melannotus - Black-backed
Chaetodon fremblii - Blue Lined
Chaetodon ephippium - SaddleBack
Chaetodon ulietensis - Double SaddleBack
Chaetodon lunula - Racoon
Chaetodon rafflesi - Latticed

and also
Heniochus acuminatus - Bannerfish
Forcipiger flavissimus - Longnose

Only looking at only a few of these in the one tank - but the actual types depends on what is available in the shops. Do any stand out as bad tankmates?
 

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