Copperbanded Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus
Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm macro lens

This is a Copperbanded butterfly fish that was added to the display tank in December 2005 to aid in an Aiptasia anemone problem I've been having. Sadly but expected, the first thing it did was eat every worm it could find. My sand bed was loaded with various worms. In fact this picture shows the butterfly looking for more worms in the sand bed.

Over the years I've tried Copperbanded Butterfly fish a few times, they seem to be very hard to get feeding prepared foods. This one was eating frozen mysis shrimp at the LFS. But I haven;t seen it eat any since I added it to my tank. On the plus side I have noticed a reduction in Aiptasia anemones.

Copperbanded Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus
Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm macro lens

This is one of the most beautiful fish that are fairly reef safe. I have noticed it picking at a clam mantle only once. I think it ate the tube feet off a black sand cucumber which I found killed shortly after this fish was added, however I have no evidence to prove this. So far my other cucumbers seem fine.

Copperbanded Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus
Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm macro lens

A macro image showing the scales of this beautiful butterfly.

overall this is a very peaceful fish yet can defend itself from more aggressive tangs by pointing is spikes towards them.

Copperbanded Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus
Picture taken May 2006, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm macro lens

Five months later this fish is still doing great, looking nice and plump. I'm not exactly sure what it eats however. I never see it actually eating the foods I feed the tank.