{"product_id":"copperband-butterfly-fish","title":"Copperband Butterfly Fish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\" name=\"viewport\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCopperband Butterflyfish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Copperband Butterflyfish (\u003cem\u003eChelmon rostratus\u003c\/em\u003e) 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 \u003cstrong\u003eAiptasia anemones\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its pest control value, the Copperband is one of the most visually striking fish available in the saltwater hobby. Its \u003cstrong\u003ebold vertical bands of burnished copper-orange against bright white\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are healthy, active specimens offered at 2.5–3.5 inches — an ideal size for acclimation and long-term establishment in your system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #1a5a61;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin-bottom: 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCopperband Butterflyfish — Small (2–3\")\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne healthy Copperband Butterflyfish, 2–3\" in length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYounger specimen — ideal for acclimation and growing out in your system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReady to begin hunting Aiptasia and adding stunning color to your display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: linear-gradient(180deg,#f6fbf8 0%, #edf7f2 100%); border: 1px solid #d4e6e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 13px 15px; margin-top: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: #1a5a61; margin-bottom: 6px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCopperband Butterflyfish — Medium (3–4\")\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne healthy Copperband Butterflyfish, 3–4\" in length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore established size — typically faster to settle in and begin feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreater immediate visual impact — full copper and white banding on display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #184f69;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 10px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🌡️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e72–78°F — stable temps essential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50%; background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🧂 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eSalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1.023–1.026 — drip acclimate carefully\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🐠 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful — reef safe with caution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e⚙️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eModerate — requires established tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🍽️ \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCarnivore — Aiptasia, worms, small inverts, prepared foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background: #eceff1; border: 1px solid #cfd6da; border-radius: 10px; padding: 11px 13px; color: #22323a; vertical-align: top;\"\u003e🏠 \u003cstrong style=\"color: #435760;\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e75 gal minimum recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #6a6b58;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #faf8ee; border: 1px solid #e6e1c9; border-left: 4px solid #b7ad78; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; color: #22323a;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCopperbands can be challenging to get feeding on prepared foods — this is the most important factor in their long-term success.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Copperband Butterflyfish is a standout addition to any reef or FOWLR system:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the only fish with a reliable, documented appetite for Aiptasia — and the specialized beak to get into places other fish can't reach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce established and feeding, a remarkably hardy and long-lived fish that earns its place every day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rare combination of genuine pest control function and world-class display fish — few additions to a reef deliver on both counts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #123844;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color: #1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"margin: 24px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f6f8f9; border: 1px solid #dde4e7; border-left: 4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius: 10px; padding: 13px 15px; font-size: 13px; color: #607078; line-height: 1.65;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue to natural variation, the fish you receive may vary slightly in coloration and size within the stated range. Photographs are representative examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\"\u003eIndividual feeding behavior — including Aiptasia consumption — may vary depending on the fish and tank conditions. Not all Copperbands will eat Aiptasia immediately upon introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003eAs with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"Small (2-3”)","offer_id":47960166826243,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (3-4”)","offer_id":47960166859011,"sku":"S15","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260420_235703_f9b90fe2-5cd3-4cb1-9e13-a73af11a23df.png?v=1776731119","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/copperband-butterfly-fish","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}