Copperband Butterfly

The Copperband Butterflyfish, also known as the Beaked Butterflyfish, Beaked Coralfish, or Orange Stripe Butterfly, has a long and narrow nose and mouth that it uses for hunting food in crevices and holes. With yellow-orange vertical bands and black edging, this fish has a false eyespot on the rear of the dorsal fin that distinguishes it from other fish species. It is best to keep the Copperband Butterflyfish singly in very large reef aquariums or peaceful community tanks, as it should not be housed with similar butterflyfish or conspecifics or any stress-inducing fish. However, caution should be exercised when keeping this species in a reef aquarium, as it may prey on invertebrates such as anemones and feather dusters. They are beneficial in controlling aiptasia or glass anemones in reef aquariums. Feeding the Copperband Butterflyfish can be challenging, as it is a shy and deliberate feeder that may require a variety of foods to start feeding.