Copperband Butterflyfish

The Copperband Butterflyfish is a sea fish known for its pretty vertical yellow-orange bands on a white body, and a long, thin snout. It is popular among reef hobbyists because of its unique look and its ability to eat pest anemones in reef tanks.

Origin

1. It lives in the Indo-Pacific region, from the seas near India, Southeast Asia, up to Australia, and the western Pacific islands.
2. In the wild, it is often found around coral reefs and rocky shorelines at depths between 1 and 25 metres.
3. When breeding, they often form pairs and are believed to be monogamous (one partner for life).

Copperband Butterflyfish Temperament

1. The Copperband Butterflyfish is shy, gentle, and peaceful by nature.
2. It is not a strong swimmer across open water; it prefers to stay near rocks and crevices, moving slowly and carefully.
3. Because it hunts slowly among corals, it can struggle when in a tank with fast, aggressive fish that steal its food.

Compatibility

Good companions (can live with):

1. Peaceful reef fish that don’t bully or outcompete it:
2. Blue Green Chromis
3. Dwarf Angelfish
4. Dottybacks
5. Fish introduced at the same time may allow pairing.

Fish to avoid/caution:

1. Fast, aggressive fish or large herbivores that chase or stress it.
2. Be careful with corals, anemones, and invertebrates: this fish may nip at soft corals or invertebrates, especially if hungry.
3. Don’t keep multiple Copperbands unless under ideal conditions or if they are a bonded pair.

Copperband Butterflyfish Price Range

1. In India, such a fish might fall in the range of ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 or more, depending on size, health, and source.