Copperband or Longnose Butterfly

[Steven91]

Hey everyone,

I originally had a beautiful Longnose butterfly, very aggressive eater ate just about anything I put in the tank, though i unfortunately lost him when I had an Ich outbreak in my tank (treated tank and fish, all good now). I was thinking about getting another Longnose, though I also love the look of the Copperband butterfly as well. Any suggestions on what I should go with, also not opposed to another butterfly though must be reef safe.

 

[saltyhog]

I'm very partial to CBB's . They have such intriguing personalities. Mine has been a model citizen with only feather dusters being in danger. Long nose are also really cool.

One other reef safe option would be a Pyramid or Zoster. I have kept them and they were also model citizens. I have read many reports of them eating Xenia from people that keep it. If that's a softie you like they probably aren't for you.

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

Both are delicate species. I like them both. Lost a Longnose, but have a Copperband now.

 

[Steven91]

Both are delicate species. I like them both. Lost a Longnose, but have a Copperband now.

I know copperbands can be hard to get eating, did you have any issues with that?

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

Live black worms, frozen bloodworms and fresh clams work like a charm.

 

[Jesterrace]

Copperbands are a lot like Leopard Wrasses, it's all about getting the right fish. Does your LFS periodically order them in bulk? (ie 4-6 at a time) If they do you can observe one for a couple of weeks before buying. If it's eating and active for that time period then you have an adaptable individual that should do well long term. Only the more adaptable specimens do well long term in captivity.

 

[Steven91]

Copperbands are a lot like Leopard Wrasses, it's all about getting the right fish. Does your LFS periodically order them in bulk? (ie 4-6 at a time) If they do you can observe one for a couple of weeks before buying. If it's eating and active for that time period then you have an adaptable individual that should do well long term. Only the more adaptable specimens do well long term in captivity.

My LFS always seem to have one or two in stock though before I know it they are sold, the longnose they have had for a few weeks and is eating well (from what i've been told, though if i buy it i always have them feed it first) though today I noticed something on its left fin so going to wait and see

 

[4FordFamily]

Longnose are a bit easier but both are difficult. CBB especiallly tough to get eating, as mentioned.

 

[foxt]

I have both, and if I could only have one it would be the longnose. It seems hardier and more aggressive than the CBB. The plus of the CBB is that if you ever run into a bout of aiptasia, it may help eradicate the little pests. I had run away aiptasia in my sump, but never saw any in the DT, and I have to credit the CBB for that.

As has been said, the CBB can be a finicky eater. Both my CBB and longnose were started for feeding with live blackworms. The longnose quickly moved on to frozen, but it took many months in the community tank before the CBB caught on to eating other food, like LRS fish frenzy. That made it more of a challenge, since I had to broadcast feed the live blackworms a couple times a day in my 220g DT to make sure that it was getting enough to eat (all of the other fish, including the longnose, were much more aggressive in getting to the worms first). I went through a lot of blackworms!

There is an Australian alternative to the CBB, names the Marginalis butterfly. I haven't kept one, but they are similar in appearance but reported to be much easier to feed.