Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Iconic, Graceful & Highly Sought-After Reef Fish

The Copperband Butterflyfish is one of the most recognisable marine fish in the hobby, featuring its long snout, bold vertical orange bands, and elegant disc-shaped body. Known scientifically as Chelmon rostratus, this species is admired for its beauty, peaceful temperament, and ability to help control nuisance pests such as Aiptasia anemones.

Best suited for mature aquariums, the Copperband Butterfly thrives with stable water conditions, plenty of rockwork, and a varied diet. While often labelled as “reef-safe with caution,” many aquarists successfully keep them in mixed reefs when given adequate feeding and space.

Key Features

• Iconic orange and white vertical stripes
• Peaceful temperament suitable for community tanks
• Natural predator of Aiptasia (individual results may vary)
• Long rostrum ideal for picking food from rock crevices
• Graceful, active swimmer for larger aquariums

Care Requirements

Best Suited For

• Large, mature reef or fish-only tanks
• Aquariums with ample rockwork and natural foraging areas
• Experienced aquarists or intermediate hobbyists

Tank Mates

• Peaceful community fish
• Tangs & Wrasses
• Gobies & Blennies
• Dwarf Angels (monitor behaviour)
• Avoid aggressive species such as Triggers, large Angels and some Butterflies

Feeding

Copperband Butterflies thrive on mysis shrimp, clam meat, marine worms, and other meaty preparations. Offering a variety of frozen foods encourages strong feeding response and long-term success. Some individuals may help naturally reduce Aiptasia populations.

What's Included

• 1x Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)