Sustaining your Copperband Butterfly
- Thread starter Atomikk
- Start date
Ed, I'm not super worried about cycling through numerous fish for ecological or ethical reasons, if we're talking about fish that are reasonably low-priced, and as far as I know, plentiful. As far as I know, copperbands fit in that category. However, that said, I'm pretty much with you on the line of thinking that says "why buy 'em if lots of 'em mysteriously die," if for no other reason than I'd just prefer not have any of the fish in my care die. And for that reason, I doubt I'll get another copperband soon.
However, I am very much in favor of experienced, expert hobbyists such as Paul B (and many others) trying to keep difficult fish (or corals, for that matter), since I think that experimentation with various husbandry techniques, and the sharing of those techniques on places like Reef Central, is integral to the advancement of our hobby.
However, I am very much in favor of experienced, expert hobbyists such as Paul B (and many others) trying to keep difficult fish (or corals, for that matter), since I think that experimentation with various husbandry techniques, and the sharing of those techniques on places like Reef Central, is integral to the advancement of our hobby.
Paul B
Premium Member
It is true that I can not keep copperbands as long as I keep most fish but many of them I had longer than five years. They do have that problem though of dying for no apparent cause.
The only fish that I know of that does that are Idols. It may be the same problem with both species. My last one died in an accident, both fish I had for about 5 years and you are correct, five years is a failure with any fish
The only fish that I know of that does that are Idols. It may be the same problem with both species. My last one died in an accident, both fish I had for about 5 years and you are correct, five years is a failure with any fish
Big E
Premium Member
Thanks for the comments guys & it's possible that 5-6 years might be this fishes' life span, although most seem to die within a year or less.
I think people are drawn to this fish because of aptasia problems & also the fact they are one of the few butterflies that can be kept with a full blown reef.
I agree, but because of the widespread availability many novice reefers buy this fish only to fail over & over. I have no ethical concerns........I just don't have any desire to buy fish that have a poor track record.
I'd like to hear from more people about longevity & success or failures with this fish.
I think people are drawn to this fish because of aptasia problems & also the fact they are one of the few butterflies that can be kept with a full blown reef.
I agree, but because of the widespread availability many novice reefers buy this fish only to fail over & over. I have no ethical concerns........I just don't have any desire to buy fish that have a poor track record.
I'd like to hear from more people about longevity & success or failures with this fish.
kb27973
New member
I'm on my first one. Passed the year mark last month. I feed my fish frozen bloodworms, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and Rod's 3 -5 times/day. He picks at the rocks all day and I no longer have any aptaisia or featherdusters. I got a super healthy one that came to me eating from Michael at nyaquatics.
Ken
Ken
Dog boy Dave
New member
I have kept one for a couple of years. He is big healthy and fat. I feed him two steamer clams in the morning before the lights come on or hand feed him the same if the lights are on already. At night the whole tank gets Mysis and other stuff but he only eats Mysis. H also grazes continuously and in in a large tank. He wouldn't make it without target feeding though. I also don't believe that he would thrive like he does with Mysis only. Its the clams that seem to make the difference.
Regards
Dave
Regards
Dave
