Is it possable to keep two Butterflyfish in the same tank?

kidzaac87 · Sep 5, 2015

Just working out a fish list for a future new tank build and this question came to mind is it possible to have two different types?

eatbreakfast · Sep 5, 2015

It is possible. How big is the tank? Which butterflies where you looking to add? Some can be added together without much issue, others it is best to add close to the same time. Some butterflies are very hardy, others quite delicate. Most are not reef safe.

kidzaac87 · Sep 5, 2015

the tank be around 1,000 lt one would be a copperband not sure on the other

ZoaCollector · Sep 6, 2015

Pyramid butterflies are reef safe for the most part. I've had good success with those and heniochus.

eatbreakfast · Sep 6, 2015

Yeah, that will be big enough, and a copperband will be fine with others, with perhaps marginalis being the exception.

kidzaac87 · Sep 6, 2015

@eatbreakfast, marginalis is that the one that looks like the copperband but has one less strip and no black spot?

Humblefish · Sep 7, 2015

IME; you can mix most butterflies without issue. Although sometimes the more aggressive species (ex. Raccoon) will outcompete for food and even bully the sissy ones (exs. CBB, Longnose). It's on a case by case basis. A "butterfly garden" is one of the nicest FO tanks IMO. A Moorish Idol and/or Singapore Angel also fits well in this kind of system. Or even a batfish if the tank is tall enough (at least 36").

eatbreakfast · Sep 7, 2015

kidzaac87 said:
@eatbreakfast, marginalis is that the one that looks like the copperband but has one less strip and no black spot?

Yes, that's the one.

Humblefish said:
IME; you can mix most butterflies without issue. Although sometimes the more aggressive species (ex. Raccoon) will outcompete for food and even bully the sissy ones (exs. CBB, Longnose). It's on a case by case basis. A "butterfly garden" is one of the nicest FO tanks IMO. A Moorish Idol and/or Singapore Angel also fits well in this kind of system. Or even a batfish if the tank is tall enough (at least 36").

Yes, there are a few that work well together, but there are plenty of species that can be quite mean to other butterflies, and these are the ones that are usually available and hardy. Raccoon, auriga, falcula, rafflessi, kleini, and lemons have all caused issue and been bullies to other butterflies, even ones on that list, if they are allowed to establish their territory before others are added. Other species are obligate coralivores and waste away in captivity, and other species, such as semilavartus don't compete well for resources.

Paul B · Sep 7, 2015

kidzaac87 · Sep 7, 2015

@Paul B They look like best friends lol, Did you add them to the tank at the same time?

Paul B · Sep 8, 2015

I don't remember but I don't think so. I don't have the long nose any more, the fireclown chased him out of the tank and he jumped out. That was a few years ago. But I still have the copperband.

Peterrdee · Jan 29, 2023

I have a raccoon but I think I’ll need to change the rock work and such because I’m wanting to add a teardrop, both eat pretty well but the issue is the raccoon is nocturnal so I don’t want it bullying the teardrop during the night…. Only other thing I suggest is maybe an isolation box in the tank? My raccoon did go after all my other butterflies I got with it, they were very small tho, and they all got stressed and diseased and stopped eating, the last thing I want is more dead fish. Anyone got any tips for adding more butterflies in a 210 gallon? Right now I got a large metallic foxface and a pink clown with my raccoon