What are the most reef safe butterflies?

[nsmith_mma]

I was looking at the butterfly fish in reefs thread, but I didn't really want to read through all 30 pages so I figured I would just ask what everyone thinks the most reef safe butterfly fish species are. They are very interesting fish and I would like to know whatever info you can offer on them. Thanks.

 

[rpjaws74]

My opinion long nose butterfly!

 

[geaux xman]

i've seen quite a few Pyramid Butterflys in reef tanks.

 

[sandwi54]

yellow pyramid butterfly. i have a pair.

 

[Charley Diesing]

I would say Yellow pyramid, is the most reef safe. The Long nose, and CBB are pretty much a tie.

 

[Reefing Newbie]

Yellow Pyramid Butterfly and the Zoster Butterfly are the most reef safe.

 

[aleonn]

Yellow Pyramid Butterfly and the Zoster Butterfly are the most reef safe.

+1. From my readings here and on different websites, these are the most reef-safe butterflies. They're planktivores, so they feed from the water column, and from my experience with the yellow pyramid, won't touch corals (I have main softies, LPS, clams). Of course, there may be variations in fish personality and food preference, but you should be safe with one of these two choices.

 

[snorvich]

Yellow Pyramid Butterfly and the Zoster Butterfly are the most reef safe.

Even though you have never kept either, you are correct. One of the long nose butterfly species is also reef safe. I cannot remember which one (I am old, I forget stuff). :beer:

 

[El richie]

I've heard heniochus are reef safe

 

[snorvich]

I've heard heniochus are reef safe

One species of heniochus is, some are not.

 

[Reefing Newbie]

Even though you have never kept either, you are correct. One of the long nose butterfly species is also reef safe. I cannot remember which one (I am old, I forget stuff). :beer:

I did a little reading on them but decided I didn't want a butterfly yet. Just haven't aqauired the taste for the more reef safe ones yet, I like the raccoon butterfly though.

 

[snorvich]

I did a little reading on them but decided I didn't want a butterfly yet. Just haven't aqauired the taste for the more reef safe ones yet, I like the raccoon butterfly though.

I love raccoon butterfly fish. And they are fabulous aiptasia eaters but definitely not reef safe.

 

[SDguy]

Depends on what is in your tank. I had a zoster eat gorgs, while my yellow longnoses bother lobos for their gut contents.

 

[Reefing Newbie]

I love raccoon butterfly fish. And they are fabulous aiptasia eaters but definitely not reef safe.

If I could I would set up a fish only for one, but don't have the room. My LFS had a good sized raccoon butterfly. It was a fat 4-5" one. Looked pretty healthy following me as I walked path.

 

[DrBegalke]

yellow pyramid butterfly and the zoster butterfly are the most reef safe.

+1

 

[Mattias L]

Talking about long nose, I would say that Forcipiger longirostris is likely more reef safe than Flavissimus.

 

[DevilishDukie]

Love my copperband

 

[Big E]

Muelleri CBB..........mine has never touched a euyphillia, acan,zoo, brain, SPS, softie, ricordia, mushroom or Anenome in 8 years.

I wouldn't try ornamental worms like coca worms, but that's about it.

He nabs a few bristle worms if he gets the opportunity to find one & I haven't seen an aptasia in 8 years since he demolished them all.

 

[snorvich]

Depends on what is in your tank. I had a zoster eat gorgs, while my yellow longnoses bother lobos for their gut contents.

Which yellow long nose? I am considering getting one but have lots of LPS that I feed. That concerns me. I cannot remember which yellow long nose is supposed to be reef safe, either.