Your Secrets - Butterflies

[Lateral72]

So, I figured it would be interesting to see what everyone who is succesfully keeping a butterflyfish is doing for care, feeding, etc. I created a form to copy and paste for us to use. I've kept numerous BFs over the years (some harder than others), so I'll ad mine in a little while.

Maybe everyone will be able to learn something from each other and figure out how to keep some of these harder to keep species.


Species:
Origin (If known):
How Long Owned:
Tank Size:
Lighting/Filtration:
Feeding Regiment:
Other "similar" Tankmates:
Unusual Behaviors:
Health Issues:
Additional Comments:
Pics (Optional):

 

[Lateral72]

To get it going I'll start with my favorite butterfly I've kept:




Species: Chaetodon Rainfordi
Tank Size: 46B (Holding Tank)
How Long Owned: 9+ Months (lost in tank accident)
Lighting/Filtration: HOB Filters, WC's
Feeding Regiment: Minced Scallops, Clams on the half-shell, Nori, Mysis, Squid
Other "similar" Tankmates: Tahitian BF Pair, Bluestripe BF
Unusual Behaviors: Trained to eat out of a turkey baster.
Additional Comments: Very personable fish. Purchased "pre-weened", but never took to mysis as stated. Usually these fish are considered Corallivores, but after testing with a few corals, it never nipped at any corals aside from a dying mushroom.
Health Issues: Susceptible to flukes and Ich.

 

[Lateral72]

Species: Tahitian Butterfly - Chaetodon trichrous
Origin (If known): Tahiti
Tank Size: 46B (Holding Tank)
How Long Owned: 11+ Months (lost in tank accident)
Lighting/Filtration: HOB Filters, WC's
Feeding Regiment: NLS Thera A+ Pellets, Hikari Mysis, Minced Bay Scallops
Other "similar" Tankmates: Rainfordi BF
Unusual Behaviors: Bought as a small "pair" but never really displayed classical BF pairing behavior. Often squabbled multiple times a day by lay on their sides and presenting the other BF with an erect display of the doral fin.
Additional Comments: Great beginner's level butterfly. Easy to adapt and maintain.
Health Issues: Hardy