Butterfly fish

[furni80]

I'm wanting to get a butterfly fish but everything I researched says they eat invertebrates, does it include shrimps and hermit crabs? That's the only type of inverts I will have in the tank.

 

[hart24601]

IMO there is really only 1 type of butterfly fish that is a zooplankton feeder that will not touch the reef critters and that is yellow pyramid butterfly fish. I have 3 in my 120 and love them. They have not been aggressive with each other or any other fish. They sometimes stare each other down and aim their spiny top fins at defensive measures, but nothing aggressive.

Many of the other species are hit and miss seemingly on an individual fish basis.

 

[furni80]

I haven't seen one of those. Will have to see if the LFS can get me one. Thanks

 

[Baldguy]

Yep, Yellow Pyramid and the related Zoster Butterflyfish are the only "reef-safe" butterflies.

 

[Humblefish]

Most butterflyfish won't eat ornamental shrimp, but I have seen them nip at hermits the same way they sometimes do snails. If you want to be more on the safe side go with a Copperband and/or Long Nose. Those are even safe with most corals.

 

[furni80]

That would be great. They were at the top of my list.
and they are different enough in shape that I would think
they would get along with a pyramid if I can find one in
my area. Thanks everyone.

 

[Humblefish]

That would be great. They were at the top of my list.
and they are different enough in shape that I would think
they would get along with a pyramid if I can find one in
my area. Thanks everyone.

Make sure you see the fish eat before you buy it. Most butterflyfish can be finicky eaters.

 

[furni80]

Okay will do thanks

 

[saltyhog]

I have pyramids and they are the opposite of the typical butterfly picky eater. Easily the most active, eats everything fish in the tank. The also eat more than any other fish in the tank.

 

[furni80]

I wonder if they're easier to find and other parts of the country because I have never seen one in the Madison Wisconsin area. I will be asking to see if they can get one tho. Thanks

 

[300bowler]

Im in Janesville, WI and have never seen any either. Maybe easier to get closer to the costs.

 

[furni80]

I'm in Monroe. Are there any saltwater stores in Janesville?

 

[300bowler]

I always go to Beefy in milton. He can order you pretty much anything you want and can beat anyone elses prices.

 

[furni80]

Great I'll check them out. I've been going to Living Art Aquarium by west towne.

 

[300bowler]

Here is his business card. He works out of his house and has over 2500 gallons of slatwater in his basement. Just give him a call and if you stop over their bring your wallet, you will definitely buy something. Haha

 

[furni80]

Awesome thanks

 

[hart24601]

I ordered mine though Blue Zoo Aquatics. Even live aquaria didn't have them for a couple months when I was looking. Blue Zoo waited until a warm day this winter, warmer than normal for shipping because they said yellow pyramids are not common. Great service from blue zoo.

I have noticed similar things to saltyhog, these guys at least are not picky at all. Very strong eaters.

 

[saltyhog]

Believe it or not I got my 3 from Petco on line. The on line is much different than the stores. They ship directly from the wholesaler and mine arrived in very good condition. I've had mine a little over 6 months now.

 

[Humblefish]

Believe it or not I got my 3 from Petco on line. The on line is much different than the stores. They ship directly from the wholesaler and mine arrived in very good condition. I've had mine a little over 6 months now.

Petco online = Quality Marine = same wholesaler Liveaquaria uses. The difference is they don't seem to pack as well (maybe LA pays extra for better shipping?), and God help you if you ever have to deal with Petco's customer service.

 

[furni80]

I've always been leary about ordering online have you ever had any troubles?