Adding a copperband butterfly fish

[Matthias7]

Can I be successful adding a copperband butterfly fish to my established mixed reef tank? I currently have a 250 gallon deep dimension. It is stocked with 3 tangs (naso ~ 6 inches, clown ~4 inches, and chocolate ~4 inches). I also have 5 green chromis, six line wrasse, cleaner wrasse, and a mandarin. I should have plenty of fish room left I am unsure if my tangs will beat it down.

 

[4FordFamily]

No way to know for sure. The clown would be my biggest concern followed by chocolate. All could very much cause trouble.

 

[eatbreakfast]

The established tangs would be cause for concern. Copperbands are Usually pretty timid when first introduced to a tank.

 

[robert]

I just recently added a small CBB to a tank with several 6"+ tangs - the little guy was the target of some mild harassment from the Black tang for a few days...maybe beacuse of the shape of the nose...

The CBB is a poor swimmer compared to the tangs - they chased when it was close, it but it would just roll over to present the harassing fish with it's spikey dorsal fin...after a bit they just left it alone...

You might be surprised to find the clown might be a bigger problem...The CBB will try to get into the rocks to pick and if its near a hosted anenome - clowns can be pretty aggressive protecting their home.

I put the CBB in to dispatch some aptasia - and he's done a good job - except for the one next to the anenome - seems the clown is protecting it...

 

[Humblefish]

As mentioned above, the tangs will likely harass and outcompete the CBB for food. Below is a little feeding apparatus I use sometimes to ensure mine gets his share of the food. I just put a half frozen cube in there so he gets to pick at it before any of the other fish get some.

 

[cginter]

if possible use an acclamation box. This will insure its chance of living in your tank. As said above the established tangs will out compete it for food.... Essential when adding the cbb. Cbb have low success without acclimating properly. Having the acclamation box will provide a safe place for the cbb to adjust to its surroundings and gives it time to like the food your prepare for it. +1 on the food clip. I used a small plastic bottle with small holes so the cbb can eat without a problem.

 

[miyags]

Just make sure to QT first, to make sure its eating and free of pests. It's always hit or miss when it comes to tangs,some will be fine for years and then just turn evil.

 

[Matthias7]

The chocolate tang is surprisingly the most aggressive the clown tang comes in 2nd and the naso is a gentle giant. I think I will try acclimation box. I recently saw an idea where someone just drilled small holes in a peice of pvc and it seemed to work well

 

[jcdeng]

use a mirror when you first add the CBB to draw the tangs' attention. Leave the mirror there for a few days until they get used to his presence.

 

[Matthias7]

use a mirror when you first add the CBB to draw the tangs' attention. Leave the mirror there for a few days until they get used to his presence.

Brilliant!