Copperband Butterfly Fish

2026-04-20T17:19:41-07:00

Type: FISH
Price: 99.99 - 129.99 (2 variants)

Copperband Butterflyfish

The Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is one of the most sought-after and effective natural solutions to Aiptasia in the reef hobby. Its long, slender beak is purpose-built for reaching into rock crevices and extracting Aiptasia anemones — one of the most stubborn and damaging pests any reef keeper faces. Where chemicals risk your water chemistry and other biological solutions can be unreliable, a healthy Copperband gets straight to work, methodically hunting and consuming Aiptasia as part of its natural feeding behavior.

Beyond its pest control value, the Copperband is one of the most visually striking fish available in the saltwater hobby. Its bold vertical bands of burnished copper-orange against bright white, combined with that distinctive elongated snout and a false eyespot near the tail, make it an instant focal point in any display system. Few fish command attention the way a Copperband does — and fewer still earn their place in a reef both functionally and aesthetically.

These are healthy, active specimens offered at 2.5–3.5 inches — an ideal size for acclimation and long-term establishment in your system.

Available Options

Copperband Butterflyfish — Small (2–3")

One healthy Copperband Butterflyfish, 2–3" in length

Younger specimen — ideal for acclimation and growing out in your system

Ready to begin hunting Aiptasia and adding stunning color to your display

Copperband Butterflyfish — Medium (3–4")

One healthy Copperband Butterflyfish, 3–4" in length

More established size — typically faster to settle in and begin feeding

Greater immediate visual impact — full copper and white banding on display

Care Information

🌡️ Temperature
72–78°F — stable temps essential

🧂 Salinity
1.023–1.026 — drip acclimate carefully

🐠 Temperament
Peaceful — reef safe with caution

⚙️ Care Level
Moderate — requires established tank

🍽️ Diet
Carnivore — Aiptasia, worms, small inverts, prepared foods

🏠 Tank Size
75 gal minimum recommended

Special Considerations

Copperbands can be challenging to get feeding on prepared foods — this is the most important factor in their long-term success. Introduce slowly to a well-established tank with live rock and natural food sources. Offer live or frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and small worms to encourage feeding. Once settled and eating reliably they are hardy and long-lived. Not considered fully reef safe — may pick at feather dusters, tubeworms, and small ornamental shrimp. Keep with peaceful tankmates and avoid housing with aggressive fish that may outcompete them at feeding time.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Copperband Butterflyfish is a standout addition to any reef or FOWLR system:

One of the only fish with a reliable, documented appetite for Aiptasia — and the specialized beak to get into places other fish can't reach

Once established and feeding, a remarkably hardy and long-lived fish that earns its place every day

A rare combination of genuine pest control function and world-class display fish — few additions to a reef deliver on both counts

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer
Due to natural variation, the fish you receive may vary slightly in coloration and size within the stated range. Photographs are representative examples.

Individual feeding behavior — including Aiptasia consumption — may vary depending on the fish and tank conditions. Not all Copperbands will eat Aiptasia immediately upon introduction.

As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.