Golden Butterfly

[LuvAngels88]

Has anyone had success keeping these fish long-term? Better in pairs? Please share your tips on keeping these beautiful fish. Thanks in advance!

 

[moogoomoogoo]

I have had one perhaps 4 years. Its the only one in the tank although it appears to swim sometimes with a racoon butterfly. Started it on mysis shrimp. Now mostly just eats a variety of flake foods. The striking yellow color has persisted. Not aggresive at all.

 

[LuvAngels88]

Thanks for your reply. What size tank do you have them in?

 

[Redfish]

One of my favorite fish of all time. I have had from 1 to 3 in tanks together before.

Prior to my current fish, mine did not eat anything but mysis shrimp. I now have two that eat NLS pellets and nori in addition to mysis.

It seems to be one of those fish that you get a good one or you don't.

 

[Kolognekoral]

Can we have a species name? Golden Butterfly means nothing to me.

 

[LuvAngels88]

The species name is Chaetodon semilarvatus. Thanks.

 

[Redfish]

Chaetodon Semilarvatus

 

[Kolognekoral]

OK, now I've got it. I use the latin names as I am in Europe and every language/country has a different name for fish. Typically, this one is called a half-masked or just masked butterfly, a direct translation of the latin. I thought, just maybe, you were all discussing C. aureofasciatus, which had me wondering. I suspect they are rarely available in the US. I've never seen one in Europe. You guys had me all excited! :rollface:

I had a trio of C. semilarvatus a few years ago. No problem getting them to eat. They started on mysis and krill and were on to frozen mix and pellets in 2-3 weeks. Perhaps being closer to their home seas makes them a bit easier for us. Wish I still had them, they were so gracious.

 

[joetbs]

C. aureofasciatus is available in the US, but it should be left in the ocean, just like C. rainfordi.

 

[natan]

just how reef-safe are these?

 

[Kolognekoral]

It would be nice to hear from others, but my experience was good. They initially pick at everything, but once they come into the swing of things they are one of the first to the food. I admit, I don't mind my fish picking on the occaisional coral, as long as no real damage is done. I kept only SPS with them, so for LPS or small anemonies, Xenia, etc. I have no experience.

I find with all Chaetodonts, it is a bit of a gamble. I have kept C. rafflesii, Coradion melanopus and C. auriga with corals without problems, but they are very well fed and don't need to forage.

 

[Big E]

I've had semis live for around 6-7 years for me. All mine were bonafide reef killers. There wasn't anything they didn't like. I've heard they won't eat noxious softies. I've seen them munch on shrooms & other button type polyp softies.

 

[achillesheel]

any more experiences with sps?

 

[Redfish]

Mine nip at sps but don't do any apparent damage.

I have never had a problem with polyps or zoas of any kind.

 

[wrott]

Has any one tried to keep a clam w/ a Chaetodon semilarvatus, and do you think one wouls do OK in a 56g w/ only a pair of ocellaris?

 

[Kolognekoral]

wrott, they do get rather large, so, ultimately, this would be too small of a tank. I wouldn't recommend less than 180g/500l at at least 3'/90cm, to give them some swim room, and this may prove too small for adults. I find this is a typuical mistake we make. The fish grow large and restless, then they go after all sorts of things, including each other, out of sheer boredom and frustration.

 

[wrott]

Thanks Kolognekoral for the answer. I'm glad to know that I can forget about having a simi until I have the space---thanks again.
Rodney