Good Butterflies with gorgonians and a toadstool or two

mort · Feb 26, 2016

Hi, before you think its another which type of butterfly for a reef thread (well it is but hopefully with more options), i'm not wishing a miracle occurs and I can get away with any species I want. Instead i'm going to limit my choices to those that are most likely (accept its a huge risk still and if it doesn't work out then the butterflies are staying but the corals will go) to get on with what I have.
So basically my plan is only for a toadstool or two and my gorgonians. So essentially a soft coral only tank. I accept some nipping but would like some species that are more likely to be better behaved. Now my problem is I have done lots of research and came up with hugely differing opinions. For instance in lists of soft coral safe species I see Chaetodon kleinii pop up but I know its a soft coral specialist so straight away i'm wary that the advice on that list is misguided.

The two species I've highlighted as fav's are Rafflesi and Punctatofaciatus. Several sources suggest they are ok with both stony and soft corals but others imply i'd be mad. I know pyramids, cbb's, longnoses and those way out of my price range are better suited but the two above are fav's. I've also looked at one of the pearlscale's (xanthurus or mertensii, I know one is safer but can't remember off the top of my head) but would like to hear off personal experiences with similar species or suggestion of others that may work.

TIA

eatbreakfast · Feb 27, 2016

I have had raccoons and falculas with leathers, but not with gorgonians without nipping on a couple of occasions.

mort · Feb 28, 2016

Thanks. I'm learning that a lot of the issues are to do with the large ranges most butterflies have. With one from a specific locale being fine with certain corals that are absent being a pain with other corals that found with it. So the same butterfly may be excellent or naughty in two different tanks.
It also seems that people aren't willing to try a butterfly in a reef whereas pretty much every angel has been tried multiple times.

glyn · Mar 5, 2016

I've got a 500 litre soft coral tank, with many toadstools, leathers, gorgonians. For nearly two years now, my Copperband Butterfly hasn't bothered any of them. [But it did clear out the aiptasias pretty quickly!]

Ashley L · Mar 5, 2016

What are your thoughts on a heniochos butterfly or a regal angel in a reef tank? I've been thinking about trying them too lol. They are so beautiful! I have lots of coral though

eatbreakfast · Mar 5, 2016

Ashley L said:
What are your thoughts on a heniochos butterfly or a regal angel in a reef tank? I've been thinking about trying them too lol. They are so beautiful! I have lots of coral though

Heniochus diphreutes is pretty safe. Regals aren't very safe.