Unfortunately this fish does not eat frozen foods no matter where you purchase this fish from. Similar to orange spot filefish, the natural diet of this fish is coral polyps. Your expectation of finding this fish eating frozen foods will likely never happen. This fish is extremely difficult to keep, that is why very few venders will even offer this fish for sale.
As I stated in my post, I was fully aware that this species was a strict corallivore based on my attempts to keep it over the years. The sole reason I purchased this fish from ReefPro was based on:
1) the telephone conversation I had previous to placing the order (12/19) where the individual I spoke to told me he saw them eating mysis (which since you did not address this point leads me to believe this was disingenuous),
2) the benefit stated in your Conditioning protocol, specifically the second bullet point of “Why Buy ReefPro Conditioned Fish”
- Eating prepared foods
and,
“Upon completion of conditioning,
all fish are examined, ensure they eating readily available prepared foods, and are conditioned for aquarium life.”
Note the term “All fish” not “excludes expert only care level fish” (see comments below under My Suggestions and see screenshots): “ and,
3) anecdotal reports with videos of aquarists having specimens of corallivores, specifically the orange faced butterfly, eating prepared foods.
Contrary to the information I was given on the phone and in contrast to the statement in your Conditioning Protocol regarding “eating prepared foods”, your reply was:
“Your expectation of finding this fish eating frozen foods will likely never happen”.
It was evident from the time I received the fish that it had in fact not been eating based on the sunken abdomen and sunken fat store areas.
My Suggestions
To avoid others repeating the same experience I had (of guarantees not being met):
1) amend the language in your Conditioning Protocol to state “excludes expert care species such as the Orange faced butterfly”, etc.
2) make explicit in the description page for the species (see screenshot) that this species is “expert care only” (as you stated in your email to me “ please keep in mind these fish are incredibly difficult to keep and are [sic] notes as expert only care level “ - I don’t see where this is stated in the description page for the fish)
At this point, I see no advantage that ReefPro provides in sourcing species like the orange faced butterfly. Since they are available locally for me , those that I find available at my LFS will have the same potential of eating (or not eating) as those purchased through ReefPro.
O4X which I’m now using)
. my only gripe is i was hoping to find someone who has purchased a small blotchy (<1in), rather than a 2-3+ in one.
