Copper Band Butterfly problem

[flapjack1439]

I have a 58 long established tank. Currently I have a pair of clowns, a Hippo tang and a yellow watchman gobie, that I've had forever. I used to also have a Copper Band that did great for a couple years or so that died abruptly after taking care of the aptasia. After being without a CBB for a while the aptasia are back.

I couple months ago, I picked up another small CBB that looked good at the store. He lasted a couple of days and then disappeared.

About 2 weeks ago I took a water sample to my LFS to check parameters to rule out water quality. I don't remember the numbers but everything looked acceptable, so a week later I added another small one. He looked very healthy and was eating at the store. I took my time acclimating him. The first night he seemed fine, swimming with the other fishes with no problems. I didn't see him but once after that, hiding behind rocks. After 2 days I found him dead. I never saw anything chase him.

Any ideas? Are they sensitive to something I might not be thinking of?

 

[djze]

did you see them eating @ the store when you pick one out it has to be eating with a lot of gusto otherwise they will just perish there one tough fish to acclimate to aquarium food

 

[MCCOOL]

I'd give this thread a good read.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1492696

 

[falconut]

I seam to remember that smaller ones are even more difficult. I tried a small one (1-1/2") and it didn't last long either. The other 2 were closer to 3" and fared much better. I'd suggest getting one at least 3". Definitely don't buy it if it isn't eatting.

 

[Federer]

The key is to pay careful attention to the health of the fish and it's behavior at the LFS and ask how long it has been there and what it has been feeding on. After a while, you can just tell a perfectly healthy specimen by the way it greets you during feeding time at the store. If there is any doubt in your mind about a fishes overall health or it does not seem inquisitive or interested in your face or scanning the live rock for food, move on to the next specimen. Fish are smart and curious creatures and that should be reflected in their health and behavior. Garlic supplements may help as well. Live feeder shrimp may be a better option than black worms to get one to start feeding.