Auriga Butterfly Compatibility 5/10/08
I just recently put a 60g tank up. Right now the only thing in there are 5 hermit crabs, 1 emrald crab, a little blue green chormis (mostly to help with cycling the tank), I just put two of my inverts from a previous tank in after the 60g had been cycled for a month, they are a long spin urchin and a chocolate ship star. They both seem to be doing well. My plan is to place one more invert (from yet another established tank) in, and that is a bubble tip anemone, with a maroon clown. Can I place an auriga in if the bubble tip has a maroon to defend it? I know I would have to place the maroon in last due to territorial issues, so I would place the anemone in last as well. Also I would like to add one more fish to the mix at some point and that would be a volitan. Will they butterfly, volitan and auriga play nice?
<Just like humans, fish are individuals. However, as a general rule, these should get along. Make sure the Butterfly is eating well before purchasing it.>
Could a small volitan fit a medium sized maroon in its mouth?
<yes>
Also given the nature of the maroons disposition, would the volitan even try to eat it?
<not likely if kept well fed>
I have about 50 lbs of live rock in the tank with a lot of places to hide. I am running a very powerful canister filter which currently only had light carbon and light chemical filtration due to the lack of bio load currently in the lank, as well as a skimmer. I also have a quarantine tank that all my new animals go into, to minimize new disease to the tank. I just am concerned with those three fish being good, not only to themselves but to the inverts as well. Thanks for your help you all have been very helpful.
<You are more than welcome Spencer>
<<Thanks Curt -Sara M.>>

Butterflyfish as Buddies? (Compatibility)   4/24/08
I can't tell you how much I appreciate this site and you, the people who devote their time to it. Truly, I can't even begin to count the hours I've spent reading the content here. It's a remarkable site and a fantastic boon to those of us new to this great hobby. Kudos upon kudos to all of you!
<On behalf of my fellow Crew members, thank you for your kind comments. I've been proud to have been affiliated with WWM for almost 6 years now. I cannot believe how much the site has grown and improved. We've got some amazing people here, all under the wonderful influence of Bob.> <<Which spelled backwards is boB... Heee! RMF>>
I've searched WWM as well as the rest of the net for an answer to a specific fish compatibility question but have had no luck in finding a
suitably specific answer to my question and so I send this email to a source I consider infinitely knowledgeable.
<I don't know about the "infinitely" part!><<I do... and not! RMF>>
Are Heniochus diphreutes (Bannerfish) and Chelmon Rostratus (Copperband Butterfly) compatible in the same tank or are they too similarly shaped/striped not to display competitive tendencies?
Thanks so much in advance,
Nate
<Good question, Nate. The Biggest concern that we normally have with husbandry of the Copperband is simply keeping the fish alive and happy! That being said, in my experience, the Copperband is generally not interactive with other Butterflyfish. However, it would not be unrealistic to expect some possible interaction in the confines of an aquarium. The Heniochus species are usually pretty good community fishes, in my experience, as long as they are given sufficient swimming area. I have kept the H. diphreutes with a C. punctatofasciatus in a 225 gallon system for years without issues. Granted, this is my experience and yours will differ, but I am pretty confident that, in a system with sufficient space, you could keep other species with the Heniochus. The key is to add both fishes as relatively small, young specimens, and to add them at the same time in an aquarium of sufficient size. Best of luck to you! Regards, Scott F.>

Cnid. compatibility with butterflies  3/30/08
Hi,
I went through the FAQs and articles in the website.
Not able to get a clear picture so asking you folks by email (Sorry for the trouble).
Can I keep the following inverts with butterflies?
1. Leather coral
2. Mushrooms
3. Sea Fan
4. Palythoa
5. cucumber
6. Xenia
7. Anything else I can keep?
<Sure, an ocean full>
I do know that LPS will be totally out but what of SPS like Acropora?
How many butterfly types can I mix in a 120 gal tank?
<Depends on the species... two-three>
Cheers
Ranjith
<And you! B>

Butterfly Fish Systems/Compatibility 3/7/08
Hello,
<Hi Sam>
I have a standard 180 gallon aquarium, 72x24x24. I wanted to make this a butterfly isotope. I would like to keep one: Chaetodon auriga, Chaetodon collare, Chaetodon ephippium, Chaetodon falcula, Chaetodon fasciatus, Chaetodon rafflesi. I calculated 1 inch per 4 gallons. Am I overcrowding the aquarium?
<With excellent filtration and use of a large sump, you could get away with six butterflies.>
Do I have extra room for any other possible butterflies?
<I would not add more.>
Are all these butterflies relatively hardy?
<The fasciatus (Raccoon) and auriga would be good choices, although most Raccoon Butterfly Fish imported are the lunula. The others can be moderately difficult to acclimate. The flavissimus (Long Nose) would be a better choice than some of the others you list.>
In order, how would you add the butterflies into the aquarium?
<I'd put the Raccoon in last.>
Lastly, are all these butterflies compatible with each other?
<Should be OK providing you have plenty of nooks and crannies for retreats and sleeping quarters. Do read here and linked files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/poorchaetodons.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm
Thank you and I love your website!!
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Copperband And Ornate Butterfly Compatibility 8/15/07
I have 90g FOWLR tank that has been set up for almost a year. I've had the luxury of going slow with it, and only started adding fish in January, and have added about a fish per month since then. Right now the tank contains a Percula Clownfish, Cardinal Banggai, Golden Head Sifter Goby, Black Cap Basslet/Gramma, and a Copperband Butterfly (Chelmon Rostratus).
I have an opportunity to get an Ornate Butterfly (Chaetodon ornatissimus).
I have read that Butterflies generally should not be mixed, but can be if their shape, color and pattern are different. The shapes of these two butterflies are different, but while the patterns go a different direction, they are both fish with white and yellow stripes. Is there likely to be a problem with these two in a 90g tank?
<Not really, the Ornate won't be around very long to cause trouble. This is an extremely difficult fish to acclimate and is best left in the wild.>
The Ornate Butterfly is such a beautiful fish, I hate to pass it up, but there's obviously not much point if they are unlikely to be compatible in a 90g.
<Do read here and related files above.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/poorchaetodons.htm>
Thanks for your input.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>

Elegance Not Stinging; Catalaphyllia vs. Butterfly fish – 4/17/07
First of all what a brilliant site. You are all so smart. Hope you can help me.
<Thank you, will try>
I purchased a Catalaphyllia from my LFS a while back now. As of late I purchased a saddled butterfly of medium size and asked the store clerk "will this peck at my Catalaphyllia?" He answered with "no the coral will sting the butterfly". So I thought I would try it out and placed the fish into my tank while I watched waiting for it to settle in. The next minute the litter bugger started pecking at my elegance.  Did this coral not sting the butterfly?  A healthy Catalaphyllia is meant to have quite a bite, but all he had done was suck himself in.
He hasn’t been his normal self since. The butterfly has been taken out as soon as I could say boo and is happily adapting in my spare tank.
<Wow!  Popular question tonight!  Butterfly fish should not be kept with corals.  They are known to eat corals and anemones that sting.>
Also I am thinking about getting a bubble tip anemone for my clowns. Will this release its "chemicals" and affect the elegance?
<It is more likely that the Catalaphyllia will sting and kill the anemone.  It is definitely not a good combination.>
Thanks so much for your time.
<You’re welcome!  Brenda>

Chaetodon ephippium comp.  1/2/07
Howdy Crew and Happy New Year!!
<Happy new year to you and yours as well! JustinN with you on this fine day.>
We currently have a 90G display tank, 29 G QT, and a 10G algae/pod grower.
<Ok, sounds good>
We bought the display tank used with ~90# of LR. It was down for 3 hours before being restarted with 60G old water 30G new. It has a Coralife 220 skimmer 3G HOB 'fuge an Emperor 280 BW and PH's that turn the water 14x an hour. Amm and NI are 0 NA < 10ppm pH 8.0, Alk 4.25 meq/L, Ca 400ppm
<Good>
Current occupants are: 2 Sebaes,1 C. bispinosus, 1 "lawnmower" blenny, 3 cleaner shrimp,1 peppermint shrimp, 3 small Mithrax crabs,& 40 or so snails. The sebaes and bispinosus just went in after a 4 week QT and Meth Blue dip, so we are looking for the next occupants of the QT.
<Ok>
I've read quite a few posts about Tangs bullying butterfly's if the Tangs were there first so...
<Yes, the tang would be established and likely bully some... I'd add last>
Would it be a good idea to get a pair of C. ephippiums before getting a Kole Tang? In Scott Michaels " Butterfly's and Angelfishes" he states they are okay with soft corals (none yet but we want some) and like to eat hair algae (got plenty, want less) plus they like amphipods, too.
<*Pulls out the soapbox* Anemones and corals aren't really behaviorally compatible, can lead to detrimental effects to all tank inhabitants if and when the anemones decide to go on a walkabout. *Puts soapbox back away* My theory here is the same as with the tang above. If the corals are already established, there may be less chance of the butterflies going after them.>
Thanks again for this site. It really is awesome.
<Thank you for the kind words, Ed. Is certainly a labor of love. -JustinN>
Ed

Re: Chaetodon ephippium   1/4/07
<Hello again, Ed. JustinN here once again>
We don't want any anemones, just some soft coral.
<Ah, I took the "stocked Sebaes" to mean Sebae anemones... I now assume they're Sebae clownfish?>
Given what you said about establishing the soft coral before adding the butterfly's would the Kole Tang be a better choice to add at this point?
<Mmm, no, I'd continue to plan for the tang to be the final addition. I more meant to add and establish the corals now, then have the next aquatic addition after coral acclimation be the butterflies. If you're really itching to add some more fish, why not consider some of the many gobies available? Most of these will be very little impact on the tank's bioload, and can be quite interesting additions in their own right.>
I'm in the process of building a new hood for the display. When finished it will have 6 54 watt T-5's with ice cap reflectors. Currently the lighting we have is only 96 watts of t-8 in the plastic hood that came with the tank.
For that reason, I'm reluctant to start adding soft corals right now.
<I feel you are wise to wait here. When your new T5 hood is in place, I would proceed ahead with the soft corals.>
Thanks
Ed
<Anytime, Ed! -JustinN>

Chaetodon ulietensis. A Butterfly With Gourmet Taste!  9/29/06
Hi,
<Hi There! Scott F. here today!>
I am trying to find out more info on the Chaetodon ulietensis.  I have heard that they devour Majano Anemones but would like to know if they will eat more than that if placed in a reef aquarium?  
<Very likely, yes. Although they may favor a particular type of anemone, the likelihood of them picking on other similar items is too great to ignore, IMO.>
Will they eat or pick at clams, SPS polyps, LPS polyps, mushrooms, etc.?  Thanks for any help you
can give me.  Jeff
<Unfortunately, these fishes have developed a sort of "high end cleanup crew" reputation, but the fact is they are Butterflyfishes, and certainly will munch on the gamut of typical reef inhabitants (soft corals, zooanthids, hard corals, etc.). I would only keep this animal if you are prepared for the collateral damage that they can cause to your reef system. As aquarium fish, however, they are attractive, active, and relatively adaptable. Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F.>
Jeff Reed

Butterfly Chomping On Corals   8/21/06
Bob,
<Scott F. with you today.>
Quick question for you - I have a Chaetodon xanthurus in a 110 gallon with about 20 large SPS staghorn colonies. He picks on them quite a few times per day - I imagine eating a coral polyp with every nibble. This causes several of the corals to withdraw their polyps (at least during the day when I can watch).
<I can imagine the picking he/she is doing when you aren't watching! LOL.>
Will SPS still grow under this condition - i.e. inability to extend their polyps? Will the butterfly eat the entire coral down to the skeleton typically?
Best, Kris
BerlinMethod.com
<Well, Chris, in the closed system with its finite coral population and limited space, it's going to be a serious issue. Sure, the corals can continue to grow if some of them can extend their polyps, but it is not very likely. The constant picking will also cause some other possible problems for the corals, such as disease, and in the event of dead sections on the coral, nuisance algae growing over these sections. Typically, the Butterflies will pick at the coral itself, and maybe pull off some surrounding tissue in the process. Disease and/or secondary predators can complete the job started by the Butterfly. In the end, it's probably better to pull out the corals or the fish if you intend for them to thrive indefinitely. Best of luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Semilarvatus Butterfly... Reef Compatibility    8/7/06
I just wanted to ensure that this e-mail was received.  I sent it about a week ago and I would assume it's floating around somewhere trying to find somebody with a sufficient answer - but my email is flakey so I didn't know if it got lost in cyberspace and just wanted to double check.
<Believe this was replied to.>
Friends at WWM,
<Scott>
Just one brief question - does anybody have any idea what corals in particular might be threatened by Semilarvatus Butterflies?  I am
considering a pair for my 1300g reef, but would like to know exactly what kind of risk I would be running.  The tank has around 1500lbs of rock, two refugiums, and they will be kept very well fed.
<Some folks say with caution, others, not reef safe.  They do feed on sessile inverts in the wild which includes many of the ornamental
varieties we keep.  If it were my call, I would not chance it.
James (Salty Dog)>
Scott

Re: Semilarvatus Butterfly...Reef Compatibility    8/7/06
James,
Thanks for the reply - was lost in cyberspace apparently. I was more curious what type of sessile inverts in particular they delight in consuming.
<Anything that can't get away.:)  In particular tube worms, small crustaceans, soft and hard corals, may nip at clam mantles, etc.>
It's fine if nobody knows, at the very least, I will try them out in a couple of smaller reef tanks and see what they go for and what they don't.
<May want to read here and related links above for more info.   http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm  James (Salty Dog)>
Scott

Butterflies in A Reef.. Worth The Gamble?  - 05/23/2006
Hello WWMCrew!
<Hi there! Scott F. here today!>
I have an easy question today!  I have a 250gallon coral tank that  has a good 250lbs of live rock, and lots of LPS corals (Bubble Corals, Trachyphyllia, Wellsophyllia, Torch, and Trumpet Coral) scattered throughout the tank.  As well as a few Crocea clams.  As far as fish go, I have a few gobies, 5
small (1 inch) Hippo Tangs, and a 4 inch Powder Blue Tang.  My question is, can I introduce the Longnose Butterfly into this system?
<Although I have seen it done before with this fish, it's really a role of the dice, as far as Butterflies in a reef are concerned. Some individuals will be all to happy to help themselves to an abundant supply of corals, LPS or otherwise. Others will ignore the corals completely. Perhaps you could introduce some of the corals into the quarantine tank to see if the Butterflies show any interest.
I'd be really cautious about introducing the fish into a tank filled with active fishes like Tangs already in residence. In my experience, the best time to put Butterflies into a tank is when it's newly set up. They tend to be rather easily intimidated at first, and they may not do well.>
I have read they can eat LPS's and I don't want to lose my beautiful corals. Also, if they can be introduced, is it possible to have a small school of 5 or so?
<Well, if one is a gamble, then 5 would be a REALLY big gamble! Besides, think about the end game here. You have 5 Hippo Tangs that get huge. Adding a quantity of additional fish is potentially problematic, and could overload your system's capacity.>
Thanks!
Ramon E. Gonzalez IV
<My pleasure, Ramon. Hope that you make the right call! Regards, Scott F.>

Heniochus Stocking Question - 03/31/06
Hi!
<<Hello!>>
A little over a month ago, I emailed you concerning adding 2 Heniochus Butterfly fish to a 72 gallon tank.  You said that it would be possible, depending on what else was going in.  The fish that I am referring to grow to b/w 9 and 10 inches
<<Hmm...H. acuminatus then?>> <Won't grow this large here... RMF>
and they are the only things that I planned on adding.  Now, I was thinking about transferring a Rainford goby from another tank into the 72 gallon as well.  I did not want him to be harassed by the strawberry Pseudochromis that I was thinking about adding (to my 46 gallon). Would that be okay, considering the fact that it hovers near the live rock most of the time?  
<<Should be fine, yes.  Regards EricR>>

Pakistani Butterfly/Compatibility  - 03/25/2006
I've been researching butterfly fish options to add to my 70G SW tank and am intrigued by the possibility of a pair of Chaetodon collare or Pakistani butterflies.   My tank, which holds about 90 lbs of live rock, has been up and running for more than a year and currently is home to a dispar anthias pair and a clarkii clown & green bubble tip anemone, along with a cleaner shrimp and assorted snails and crabs. All appear to be doing wonderfully well.   Due to the addition of the bubble tip, I've not added any corals.   My question lies with the relative Compatability between the butterflies and the bubble tip, as I've read that some, but not all, Chaetodons like to munch on anemones of different sorts. I suspect the clown would honor its obligation to protect its host anemone, keeping it fairly safe from any nipping or picking.  Is this one of the safer butterflies to keep with an anemone?   Also, nearly everything I've read has suggested getting a pair of Pakistanis rather than just one.   Does simultaneous introduction generally lead to a fine result regardless of whether
they were a previous "pair"?   Lastly, what, if any, other corals/inverts could I introduce safely with the Pakistanis? I recognize that butterflies in general are not reef safe but that there's a sliding "safety" scale with regard to
this family.   Thanks for any additional insight you can offer. I'm happy to follow any advice you offer.   Wonderful web site.  <Eric, the BTA may very well become the first food for these guys as they do feed on SPS corals in nature, and with none available, the BTA may start looking good to them.  I do not know what your experience level is but the Pakistani's are not one of the easiest butterfly fish to maintain.  Do research more on this fish before buying.  Start here.  http://wetwebmedia.com/bfsysfaqs.htm
James (Salty Dog)>

Compatibility of Black & White Heniochus?
Are the following completely compatible together? << Nothing is completely compatible, but we can generalize here. >>
Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish (Heniochus  acuminatus)
Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber (Holothuria sp.)
Red Sea Star (Fromia milleporella)
Squamosa Clam (Tridacna squamosa)
Blue Tuxedo Pincushion Urchin (Mespilia globulus)
<< Yes, I would say these items are fine in a reef tank together. >>
Second question: Are there ANY corals that the Heniochus Butterflyfish  
(Heniochus acuminatus) is compatible with? << Certainly.  They are known to pick at zoanthids and small polyps, but I've seen many Heniochus in reef tanks living fine with large soft colt corals and mushroom anemone rocks.  Every fish has its own personality, but these fish are commonly seen in reef tanks. >>
<<  Blundell  >>

Long Nose Butterfly & Reef Tank  7/19/04
WWM Crew, <Hi MacL here with you tonight>
I have a 75 gallon reef setup and am considering getting another fish to liven it up. The longnose butterfly (F. flavissimus), caught my eye, but I am concerned about its compatibility with the tank's current inhabitants (vertebrate and not). First off, are they compatible with corals. I've heard both ways on this, and wanted to know what you thought. <I think the reason for this is that they go both ways, they can be reef safe yet some of them definitely are not.> There's no tearing this tank down to capture a coral-eater, so It'd be good to know before it gets in there. I have mainly LPS with a few soft corals (mainly various leathers). I also have a clam (T. deresa) that is doing well. On the vertebrate side, I have a yellow tang, and I don't know if it would get along because of similar color/body shape. I also have a mandarin that's doing great, but I don't want it to starve because of excessive competition from the butterfly. <If you can't take it out and you think you might have to my advice is not to put it in.>
Thanks in advance.  

Long-Nosed Butterflyfish Compatibility (7/12/04)
Hi--I'm thinking about future livestock and one fish I was interested in was the yellow longnose butterfly. <Forcipiger flavissimus. A beautiful, rather hardy, and generally peaceful fish.> Can you tell me if this fish would be safe with a Fromia star? <should not be a problem. Has been known to nip at tubeworms and the tube feet of sea urchins. Generally not a problem for corals either.> Are there any other inverts that would be
at risk from it? <As above> thanks. <This fish is a nice choice with generally peaceful tankmates in at least 75 gallons. Do read and learn more from various sources. Steve Allen.>

REEF COMPATIBILITY OF BUTTERFLYFISHES
Hi,
I have a 230 gal tank with 230 lb. of Fiji rock.  The tank is 4 months old.  I would like to add one or two C. paucifasciatus to join a Klein's butterfly, coral beauty, algae blenny, two Percula clowns and several pulsing Xenia.  The Klein's doesn't touch the Xenia.
How expensive are these fish in N. America?  << Not sure, but a closely related fish would be much easier to find, and a lot cheaper.  I would think a C. mertensii would be about $30. >> Would a random pair get along with each other and the Klein's (and the Xenia).  << Tough call.  I'll say that it is about a 50/50 chance.  I would think you are safer with one fish, but two fish in a tank that size may do okay.  Many butterflies will pair bond, so you may luck out. >> Are there any other soft corals that I could add with these butterflyfishes? << Absolutely.  I think many soft corals would do well, but I would stay way from small polyps and zoanthids. >>
Thank you.
Peter
<< Good luck, Adam B. >>

Butterfly Compatibility
Hello, <Hi Kevin> I've been looking in to Butterfly's recently and found a few that caught my eye. Currently, I have a 100 gal FO and a 300 gal. FO in the works. I hope to have the 300 running a year from now, lots of equipment left to buy $$$$$$$$$. Anyway, I may have missed it, but is it possible to mix a threadfin,  C. xanthurus, C. falcula, C. rafflesi in one system? Or any combo of the 4? Would I be able to put any of these in the 100 gal? Thanks again for all of your help in the past. Advice has been put to use and is working perfectly. < Compatibility is not really going to be as much of an issue as size limitations, meaning that 4 fish of this size and their space requirements may not be effectively met within a 100 gallon aquarium.  Now if you were considering putting them in the 300 gallon, that would be absolutely justifiable and a perfect captive environment for them.  Aside from the somewhat small constraints of a 100 gallon, these 4 fish should have little to no problems being in the same environment.> Kevin

Bannerfish and Corals 5/26/04
Hi Crew, Hope you had a pleasant weekend!
<Thanks! You too.>
Have recently purchased Bannerfish; were labeled and sold as Heni. acuminatus but are actually diphreutes. My mushrooms have been safe so far should I say!!! The LFS says mushrooms are not bothered by diphreutes as well as leather coral. After looking through your FAQ on Bannerfish I still have a question. What if any polyps or other corals are not eaten by diphreutes. I was particularly interested in Zoanthus polyps group or could you suggest some other hardy corals safe with diphreutes.
<Most if not all corals should be safe with most specimens of H. Diphreutes.>
Could you also recommend an informative book on anemones?
<Yes! "Anemone Fishes and Their Host Sea Anemones: A Guide for Aquarists and Divers" by Fautin and Allen. It is a bit out of date and not super complete, but remains the best aquarium reference on this specific topic.>
Thanks once again for your much appreciated help and expertise and look forward to your reply. Regards Ceil Wagaman
<Glad to help! Adam>

Featherduster Muncher?
Hi Scott
<Hello again!>
One other question regarding the butterfly's
Do they eat the featherdusters?
<Um, yep!>
I had a few featherdusters in my tank and now I don't see them anymore, all gone. Could the butterfly be eating them?
Thanks Ziad
<I'd state with almost total certainty that the butterfly was munching on your featherdusters. These types of animals are a definite dietary component for these guys. Butterfly fish are generally about as "reef unsafe" as you can get, with a few exceptions....Regards, Scott F>

Butterfly stocking II
Hi again.<Howdy!>
Personally the raccoon isn't my favourite.  Would one be ok. <These guys are usually not considered to be reef safe anyway.  You might be able to get away with one.> If it's not what would be 2 other fish you would recommend rather the butterflyfish.<How about a dwarf angel or a fox face. Cody>
Scott.
P.S.  I am looking into corals so I am picking fish that are either entirely
reef safe or caution required.

2 Butterflies?
Hi this is Jonathan just wondering if it would be alright to
have a copperband and longnose butterfly fish together.<Depends on how large of tank you have, if you have less than a 180 I would not place them together.> Hope to be a sponsor of your website by summer.<Awesome!!  Cody>
thanks for everything.

Mixing up the Butterflies..?
>Hi gang, my current fascination seems to be with butterflies as I plan for a new (larger) f/o tank.  I now have a Copperband in the 110 ( nearly a year) and a Pearlscale in quarantine (he's doing quite well).  I keep coming across comments indicating that two conspecific can be kept together if a male/female pair, yet I can find no information on determining sex.  A tad frustrating.  
>>Yeah.. I haven't found a darn thing regarding sexual dimorphism of butterfly FISH, though I'm finding plenty on other fish and actual butterflies.  In any event, I've seen butterflies mixed in rather large numbers in a 110 quarantine tank - raccoon, threadfin, Copperband, Pearlscale.. and now the last two species escape me.  We had some shy ones, but I saw not ONE instance of aggression between any fish.
>In the event that I cannot mix the cb with the Pearlscale I could move him (the cbb) to my reef and add a "mate" for the pearl, IF I can determine sex.  Any help?  As always, TIA  -  D
>>I would join at least three different saltwater boards.  I will suggest http://www.reefs.org (publishers of Advanced Aquarist online magazine), http://www.reefcentral.com (they publish their own online mag, the name escapes me.  However, I've found that it is VERY easy to get completely lost in the traffic there.)  And last I would try http://www.wetwebfotos.com/talk (our sister board with forums).  There are many other sites, but I have no experience with them at all, so cannot speak for the quality, "flavor", etc.  Marina

Copperbanded Butterfly fish with a Regal Tang?
Hi,
Would a Copperbanded butterfly fish be compatible with a regal tang?
<This duo should be fine...but please purchase an Australian Copperband b/f they do much better than their Indonesian counterparts!!!, IanB>
Regards Aaron.

Preventing Butterfly Battles And Other Problems...
Dear Mr. Fenner,
<Scott F. pinch-hitting here today..>
First of all, thank you for being there.
<I'm sure I speak for all of us at WWM when I thank you for your kind words! We really enjoy being here for our fellow hobbyists!>
I have a 50 gallon tank its been running now for 3 months. In total, I've had it for 4 years but, It had to be drained and shipped overseas. Now, I have 1 Auriga butterfly, 2 Ocellaris and 1 Yellow Wrasse. About 25 lbs. of live rocks. Tank is running well. Is it okay if I add a Pakistani butterfly?
<To be honest- no...For one thing, the Auriga can hit a substantial size, and will require a considerably larger tank for long-term success and growth. Throwing another butterfly fish into the mix would be detrimental for both.>
"I fell in love with this fish" It would be my last addition in the tank. But I couldn't find any information if my tank is big enough? Or, will these two butterflies co exist within this space? Thank you for your time. Kind regards, Mike.
<As discussed, I don't think that this is a viable plan. Also, if you take into account the fact that many of these fishes don't adapt to captive diets, and you have what may be a less-than-optimal fish...It IS beautiful, but I think that it needs to have a situation where it is the only butterfly in the tank, or added at the same time as another butterfly (all in a tank larger than 100 gallons, IMO) to avoid conspecific aggression. All in all, I'd hang on to your plans for this fish until you can supply it more optimal conditions...You're going to be in the hobby a long time, and there will be plenty available in the future, when your ready. Regards, Scott F>

Copperbanded Butterflyfish...not "reef safe"
Hi,
Can the Copperbanded butterflyfish be determined reef safe?
<To be honest with you...I do not consider ANY butterfly fish "reef safe"., IanB>
Regards Aaron.

Heniochus, Reef safe?  (9-5-03)
Hi,<Howdy, sorry for the delayed reply.>
I have a Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus) and I am interested in getting a Blue Mushroom Coral (Actinodiscus sp.) from my LFS.  I know butterflyfish are always risky to mix with reefs, but I really don't what corals fall into their diet.  I also would like to get a Bulb Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) eventually.  Are there any concerns with this animal and the mushroom coral or any of the other livestock? Currently, that tank has a yellow tang, blue tang, a coral beauty and the Heniochus.  Finally, what kind of clown would you suggest, if any, to pair with the Bulb Anemone?  Any info would be great.<He should be fine , I would say go for it as long as you have the proper lighting and done your research.  As for clowns it would help if I new the size of your tank, but assuming you are not overstocked you could go with ocellaris or perculas as they stay smaller.  Cody>
thanks!
Chris

-Heniochus compatibility-
Hi, I have a Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus) and I am interested in getting a Blue Mushroom Coral
(Actinodiscus sp.) from my LFS.  I know butterflyfish are always risky to mix with reefs, but I really don't what corals fall into their diet. <If you're sure that it's a H. acuminatus then it may be a problem. H. diphreutes is a completely reef safe Heniochus b'fly and is almost identical to the former. H. diphreutes can be distinguished (according to Scott Michael) by having "a more rounded breast, less-protruding snout, and the middle black band ends at the corner of the anal fin".> I also would like to get a Bulb Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) eventually.  Are there any concerns with this animal and the mushroom coral or any of the other livestock? <Only with the b'fly (potentially)>Currently, that tank has a yellow tang, blue tang, a coral beauty and the Heniochus.  Finally, what kind of clown would you suggest, if any, to pair with the Bulb Anemone? <Just about any of the common clowns will adopt BTA's, pick your favorite!> Any info would be great. thanks! <Good luck identifying the butterfly! -Kevin>
Chris

Pyramid Butterfly
I was wondering if Pyramid butterflies are reef-safe. Would they do fine in a SPS tank, or would they eat the polyps. would the lights be to bright. Would they pick at any LPS corals (Cyanaria, Blastomussa). Any info would be appreciated.
<Hemitaurichthys polylepis... is likely to the far right side in its likelihood, tendency to "leave scleractinians, alcyonaceans alone"... The species, genus are principally zooplanktivores... do get quite big, live in areas of great water movement... Your lighting is probably fine, but procuring this BF in initially good condition (it ships poorly) is not easily done. Do seek out Hawaiian specimens if you're in the U.S.A.. Bob Fenner>

Butterfly question
Hello Crew,
question for Mr. Fenner is possible.  On an old FAQ response said the following in regards to a Chaetodon semilarvatus in reef tanks:
<Not likely to eat your corals if otherwise well fed... as a percent/scale of risk, low... though not lowest... some 20-30% possibility of some coral polyp foraging...>
My question is, which one would be considered lowest?
Thank you
Paul
<Let's see... about tied for the genera Hemitaurichthys, Chelmon, Chelmonops and Forcipiger butterflies... and Chaetodon lunula... Bob Fenner>

Butterfly's with anemones
Hi guys,
How are we all this Monday?<Fine and you?>
Quick question:
Can we keep a Double Saddle Butterfly with a bubble tip anemone?
<Personally I would not trust "any" butterfly with an anemone, IanB>
Thanks
Have a great day!!!!!!