Longnose Butterfly... reef safe, Aiptasia pred.  – 09/17/08
Hello,
<<Greetings Mike>>
I have been doing some research and have found several references to the Long nose Butterfly being as reef safe as the Copperband and it being just as likely to eat Aiptasia.
<<This is so…as long as you understand that “reef safe” is a very relative term and differs as much among individual specimens as it does among differing species>>
Also understand that they are hardier and easier to get to eat.
<<Perhaps easier to get to eat, but not necessarily hardier than Chelmon species in my opinion. Selection of healthy individuals and careful acclimation are key to success with both genera and C. rostratus has proven very hardy in my experience once settled in and if feeding well. But generally speaking, yes, Forcipiger species are thought to be easier to get to this point>>
Any truth to this, would like to get one to help control Aiptasia and I have wanted a butterfly for a long time.
<<My experience with the so-called “Aiptasia predators”…whether piscine or otherwise…is not to expect too much re. As with so much else, this too varies between individuals. And even when a fish starts out feeding on the Aiptasia, more often than not this soon diminishes as the fish learns there are other (tastier?) morsels about. But even so, this fish is very worthy of keeping if you can provide an adequate environment (please do read here and among the associated links: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/forcipig.htm )>>
Thanks,
Mike Winston
<<Happy to share. Eric Russell>>