Most reef safe butterfly for a 120g

Cthulukelele · Dec 28, 2023

I'm looking for recommendations for a mostly reef safe butterflyfish that I could house in a 120g tank. The most likely fish to give it problems is an established tomini tang, so a fish with some backbone would be preferred over say a copperband. Thanks!

CasperOe · Dec 28, 2023

Following!

I feel "reef safe" butterfly is somewhat of a myth, so would be nice to hear others opinions!

bobnicaragua · Dec 28, 2023

Pyramid

Derrick0580 · Dec 28, 2023

Second the pyramid, never had one but all research I’ve seen points to them being reef safe.

Cthulukelele · Dec 28, 2023

CasperOe said:
Following! I feel "reef safe" butterfly is somewhat of a myth, so would be nice to hear others opinions!

Yeah that's my feeling as well. I've always loved them, but I want to know if any could handle being in a softy and anemone tank. Their movement pattern is fascinating.

Cthulukelele · Dec 28, 2023

Pyramid and kleini are the 2 that seem the most reasonable

nereefpat · Dec 28, 2023

The pyramid and its close cousin the H. zoster are the only real reef safe butterflies we have in the hobby.

Hopefully the tang doesn't beat on whatever you choose.

jda · Dec 28, 2023

I agree with Pyramid and Zoster are the only 100%. Copperband, longnose and their close relatives are pretty good bets - they can decimate pod and worm populations, though.