Wrought Iron Butterfly's?

myerst2

myerst2

Active member
Hello all. Does anyone have experience with Wrought Iron Butterfly's? A few questions? Will the Wrought get along with my Tinker's Butterfly? The Wrought I am looking at will be about a 1" bigger. Also do you think my big black tang is going to try and kill it because they are both mostly black? Any other info about them would be greatly appreciated. I know they need lower temps and I already keep my tank at 76F. Thanks, Tim Here is a Picture of a Wrought Iron Butterfly. Thanks, Tim
photo048001.jpg
 
I have never kept this fish despite liking it because I cannot afford to feed it my corals. Matt at www.austinaquafarms.com has some so he can probably give you information on it. They are a sponsor here so I hope it is ok to mention them.
 
I have spoke with Matt, and he is the one who I am considering getting the fish from. I have been keeping fish for a long time and only just heard of him recently. Though I have never gotten anything from him, his response time for fast response time speaks volumes to me on how he runs his business. I am pretty sure I am going to go with the fish. Surprised more people don't talk about their company or use them. Thanks for the response. Any others with experiences with these fish would be greatly appreciated. thanks, Tim
 
hey tim i just got to say you got great taste in fish! very similar to my own. good luck with the wrought iron if you end up getting it
 
Yes Alex, I have that insane stupid mindset that I have to have what everyone else doesn't have. Guilty as charged. Thankfully this mindset only happens with fish, otherwise I'd be broke. Tim
 
I would recommend reading Scott Michaels, Reef Fish, Butterfly and angel book they have a somewhat large section on the wrought iron.

I know of some one who had them with many other butterfly including a tinker's just like you, However the the black tang is another story. But Since there is a huge size difference you should be ok.
 
Well I can speak that I do know of someone who has one... They are a deep water species and live in the cold. What temps do you keep your tank at? Deep water species are sensitive to temp change so that is something you should look into before taking the dive and I am sure that no one has addressed.
 
One of our local shops had a shipment of them a few weeks back they have one left and it appears to be healthy and eating most foods they give it its really beautiful. Its amazing what great fish we get here in thailand now in the past months there have been gemtangs, wrought irons, clarions, garibaldis hybrid goldflakes,etc etc. its pretty good as these are not obviously local fish.
 
I keep my water temperature at 75.5F-76.5F. Will temperature work with Wroughts? When I first started this tank I kept it at 78F-79F. Then I got some deepwater fish such as Tinkers, Borbonius, and Crosshatch trigger. I think all of the fish benefited from the lower temperature. Love your avatar of that seahorse. Tim
 
They definately come from a small island group (part of Japan) that does experience colder temperatures 26 down to 20 degrees celcius so 78 to 68 degrees old money.
 
Anyone have actual experience with these fish? Think I am going to get the fish but still a bit hesitant. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I read the small blip from Scott Michael's book and seems to be the same description for every other fish. There is absolutely no information on the web about them on the web. I did find a great picture though. Regards, Tim

NR0006220AF.jpg
 
We had one in a soft coral tank at work for probably 9 months before selling him. The fish was VERY hardy; ate aggressively, but never bothered any kind of leather coral. I dont think I would trust it around anything stony though.

The temperature was typically in the 78-80 range; while I never saw any ill effects from it, I would definitely try to maintain a temp a good 5 degrees lower.

Never had any aggression issues to speak of- he was kept with Cirrhilabrus, Centropyge, various blennies, etc, and I never saw him bother anyone.

Feeding was difficult initially; he would only accept mussels on a half shell. Eventually he learned to take other foods, incuding mysis and flake.

He was an Extremely personable fish. Once he was used to the tank, he had no issues coming right up to your hand; not easily startled. I have to admit I was really disappointed when he finally sold, I had hoped he would move into the display tank. But.. c'est la vie.
 
They are pretty hardy, my buddies came in at 73degrees, he was slowly acclimated to 78. He ate ASAP and got comfortable.
They actually tolerate tropical temps better than their Japanese counterpart the INTERRUPTUS, they need cooler temps. Japanese waters are more cooler.

I must say a very stunning specimen, just keep your temps steady.
 
w.iron butterfly

w.iron butterfly

Wow,need to go to bathroom mirror,and see how green i have gotten with ENVY!

FWIW,last time i saw one listed,it was on www.justrarefish.com.and if i remember it was $1500.00

They are reported to originate from an area of sparse coral growth,mainly algae covered rockwork.Keep us updated,especially us butterfly nuts!
 
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