Butterflyfish compatibility

[derpychicken777]

Was looking through butterflyfish compatibility, and it seems that you can mix some of them while other combinations result in aggression. Is it possible to mix the Chelmon muelleri with a Chelmon rostratus in some way to minimize fighting like with tangs? Do I need to introduce them in a certain way? Or do I need a certain size tank? Or will they always result with a fight to the death?

 

[ndrwater]

Probably not a great combination. They can be aggressive towards one another or similar fish. That said, fish are people too.
I would think with a large enough tank, you MIGHT be able to get away with it, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[i cant think]

Was looking through butterflyfish compatibility, and it seems that you can mix some of them while other combinations result in aggression. Is it possible to mix the Chelmon muelleri with a Chelmon rostratus in some way to minimize fighting like with tangs? Do I need to introduce them in a certain way? Or do I need a certain size tank? Or will they always result with a fight to the death?

In a 6’-8’ tank you will likely get away with this combination. It will hold the same struggles as keeping the two Forcipiger species with Chelmon rostratum.

 

[dennis romano]

I have half a dozen butterflies in a 125 with a copperband in another tank. There is very little interaction except for the Tahiti. He is a jerk. Fish in the Chelmon genus are usually pretty laid back. I had a C. marginalis with a Coradion. Initially, there was a little bumping but no big deal. Your biggest problem would be finding a C. muelleri. I haven't seen one in decades.

 

[derpychicken777]

I have half a dozen butterflies in a 125 with a copperband in another tank. There is very little interaction except for the Tahiti. He is a jerk. Fish in the Chelmon genus are usually pretty laid back. I had a C. marginalis with a Coradion. Initially, there was a little bumping but no big deal. Your biggest problem would be finding a C. muelleri. I haven't seen one in decades.

That’s good to hear, except for the last part I guess. Now that you say it, do the online places never have them in stock either? dang.

 

[derpychicken777]

I have half a dozen butterflies in a 125 with a copperband in another tank. There is very little interaction except for the Tahiti. He is a jerk. Fish in the Chelmon genus are usually pretty laid back. I had a C. marginalis with a Coradion. Initially, there was a little bumping but no big deal. Your biggest problem would be finding a C. muelleri. I haven't seen one in decades.

My girlfriend is absolutely obsessed with both the coradion and the muelleri. I can barely seem to find much information online a lot of it seems contradictory. Between the two how would you say their availability, aggression, eating habits, and reef safe-ness are? Or if anyone else here has experience with the two.

 

[dennis romano]

About a month ago, it seemed that every on line retailer had a Coradion for sale. They are just about all gone. I'm in north NJ and I got mine from a place in Texas. That fish ate an hour after going into the display tank. He eats everything, including flake food. He is the largest butterfly in the tank and doesn't bother any other fish. Like I posted earlier, I can't remember the last time that I saw a C. muelleri