eljuno064
Rafa!
@eljuno064 · 1 month ago

Copperband attempt… again.

A few days ago I bought a Copperband Butterflyfish, a fish I’ve always loved but never had long-term success with. Either they stop eating or slowly fade away.

At the store he was already eating brine shrimp, which gave me some confidence.

Right now he’s in an acclimation box inside my display so he can observe the tank before release.

My biggest concern besides feeding is aggression from my tangs:

• Purple Tang

• Blue Eye Bristletooth Tang

I’ve been researching the clam on the half shell method for feeding and also the mirror trick to distract the tangs when I release him.

Let’s see how this one goes. I’ll document the journey.

Anyone here successfully kept a Copperband long term?

3 photos
12
💬 4

Comments

Sign in to leave a comment

User Avatar @WindyCactus26 32d

Copperbands are definitely tricky but so rewarding when they settle in! Love your idea of the half shell feeding and the mirror trick to keep those tangs in check. Your tank looks gorgeous with all those SPS and LPS corals thriving too!

User Avatar @eljuno064 26d

Appreciate that! 🙏 Definitely taking it slow this time. The oyster trick has been a game changer so far…

User Avatar @MightyPolarBear25 26d

I love that you’re giving the Copperband another shot! Those tangs can definitely be territorial so the mirror trick sounds smart. Your reef lighting really makes the coral colors pop, should help keep the fish chill during acclimation. Fingers crossed this one thrives!

User Avatar @eljuno064 26d

Thank you! 🙌 I actually released him already 😂 he’s holding his own but the tangs are keeping him on his toes. Hoping he settles in soon 🤞

Sign in to join the conversation.

Download the ReefBay App
[email protected]
|
©ReefBay 2026

Join The Community

Create an account to contribute to the community

Or continue with
Sign in with Apple
Or continue with
Sign in with Apple

Prefer our mobile app?

QR Code

Scan to download the app

Download ReefBay

Scan the QR code with your phone to download the app

Download ReefBay QR Code

Available on iOS and Android