Copperband butterflyfish
The copperband butterflyfish is an elegant reef fish of the family Chaetodontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. It has a tall, silvery-white body crossed by several coppery-orange vertical bands, a long tubular snout, and a black eyespot on the rear dorsal fin. It is a peaceful, somewhat timid fish that is best kept singly and with calm tankmates, as it is easily bullied and slow to compete for food. Its long snout is adapted for picking prey from crevices. A mature aquarium with abundant live rock is important, as it grazes on small invertebrates and is famously used to control pest Aiptasia anemones. It is carnivorous and can be difficult to feed, often needing live or enriched frozen foods to begin eating. Its finicky diet and sensitivity to water quality make it a challenging species best left to experienced keepers.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 8 – 12 °dKH |
| Salinity | 33 – 35 SG |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 300 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 120 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Copperband butterflyfish need?
Provide at least 300 litres to keep Copperband butterflyfish in good conditions.
What water parameters does Copperband butterflyfish need?
A temperature of 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.
Is Copperband butterflyfish peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Copperband butterflyfish eat?
Its diet: carnivore.
How big does Copperband butterflyfish get?
Around 20 cm as an adult.
Is Copperband butterflyfish suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Copperband butterflyfish?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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