Chaetodon xanthocephalus availability?
- Thread starter SDguy
- Start date
michael_cb_125
New member
I know I only see them occasionally offered.
Live Aquaria had a Juvenile a while back that I wanted but was not quick enough to swipe.
~Michael
Live Aquaria had a Juvenile a while back that I wanted but was not quick enough to swipe.
~Michael
AquaticFins
Premium Member
I suspect it is, though I've no idea why. These days, I see them most often December through February. I'm noticing more of them, this last year or two.
I remember having them pretty much year-round, but that must have been at least a decade ago.
I thought they had quite a wide range though the Indian Ocean, but perhaps I'm wrong about that.
I remember having them pretty much year-round, but that must have been at least a decade ago.
I thought they had quite a wide range though the Indian Ocean, but perhaps I'm wrong about that.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Don't take this as gospel; its best guess and some memory. I remember wanting one of these beautiful fish for quite a while; Pre-Katrina when I kept notes on everything. I think most of them come from Sri Lanka (at least the most unlikely to be cyanide caught), quite close to the equator. I don't think many fish from the low latitudes are often seasonal; my best, slightly educated (but age-tempered) guess is that they are probably not seasonal.
Although I'm a lifelong friend & fan of LA & FS; I'd call Mike at Blue Zoo ( (888) 479-BLUE); they have them on a waitlist and mike is a great guy and willing to give great answers on availability questions. BTW BZ seems to be stocking more unusual fish lately; this may become their niche in a field dominated by the F&S companies, LA & DD. Their quality is equal to anyone too, IMO. (Guarantees exceptions need to be liberalized though, IMO).
Although I'm a lifelong friend & fan of LA & FS; I'd call Mike at Blue Zoo ( (888) 479-BLUE); they have them on a waitlist and mike is a great guy and willing to give great answers on availability questions. BTW BZ seems to be stocking more unusual fish lately; this may become their niche in a field dominated by the F&S companies, LA & DD. Their quality is equal to anyone too, IMO. (Guarantees exceptions need to be liberalized though, IMO).
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Thanks for all the input, folks. I even posted to QM on FB asking what they know about the species
I'll contact BZ, thanks.
Keep us posted, I'm curious too, I'll have some room in the future.
rachenbrazil
Member
Nyaquatics had one last month
aquaph8
Love The Fish
I was looking at that one too, cool fish.
nonimmigrant
New member
Call Mike Baker at Ocean Pro Aquatics in CA. He'll find it.
LemonLemon
New member
it's a nice indian ocean species. v closely related to the saddleback butterfly.
can be obtained from sri lankan or mauritius shipments.
small ones are harder to find. but overall, not very rare but not common either
can be obtained from sri lankan or mauritius shipments.
small ones are harder to find. but overall, not very rare but not common either
flameangel88
New member
I assume they are much like saddlebacks. Shipping is important... their mouths injure easily, especially that lower jaw. Every saddleback I've ever had was also a bit finicky starting on food, but eventually all ate pellets. Every saddleback I've ever had did NOT handle cupramine well. Not sure about this fish.
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
I will be using Chloroquine Phosphate so hope all goes well as far as that front goes. I was going to use the TTM but I read somewhere a longer QT is recommended so I will use CP followed by PP. I was worried about the mouth thing, all butterfly's seem to be very susceptible to this issue. I have a whole smorgasbord of food on the ready so that shouldn't be a issue (at least I hope) Did you ever end up with one of these?
zebrasoma17
New member
I've had a few of these over the years. I've been keeping butterflyfish since the late 70's and C. xanthocephalus is one of my favorites. They acclimate pretty easily and are not difficult to get feeding. The last 2 that I had both ate NLS and Hikari pellets as well as flake and frozen. One was about 7" when purchased and was eating Reef Frenzy at the LFS the day they got it. They are susceptible to ich like other butterflies. My LFS gets them fairly regularly and they pick up their fish at a local wholesaler. I assume they're coming out of Sri Lanka but might be East Africa.
Al
Al
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
Thank you for the info
Ever kept one with a saddleback?
