Copperband BF collection origins... 06/02/09
Hey guys. Quick one for you. I am considering a Copperband BF for my peaceful (Naso tang, hippo tang, Juvi imperator angel, six line wrasse,
<Mmm, not these last two...>
percula clown) 125 gallon FOWLR tank.
<Too small for the Naso, Angel in time>
(Actually I have one anemone and a colt coral).
<Likely to be chewed on by the Pomacanthus>
I have been doing research on them and learned that between them and the Longnose BF that they are about the most reef safe BF fish out there. (Is that true??)
<Mmm, yes... along with some others of about the same "rank"... genus Hemitaurichthys, Chelmonops, some Chaetodons>
Of the 2 which do you think are the hardiest and easiest to start eating??
<Forcipigers>
Also what is the difference in where they are collected.
<Ahh! A very good question>
I am looking online (Liveaquaria.com) and the Copperband comes from Australia (Most expensive by far, How come??),
<Further away, higher cost of living of the folks in the process...>
Indo Pacific, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and Philippines, and the long nose from Hawaii, Indo Pacific, and Maldives. Longnose all being the same price. Are ones hardier that others, or collected in different ways, (I heard that Indo Pacific fish have more of a chance of being collected by cyanide.
<Neither of these fishes are intentionally collected via cyanide, other poisoning. Almost all Chaetodontids are collected using mist/barrier nets, chaser poles...>
Not sure why but I read that in one of your FAQ's.) Also do you think it would be better to get a smaller specimen or larger of either kind. This will be my first attempt at a BF and want to try to be successful by
getting as much info as possible. I have been reading your BF FAQ's and got a lot of info from that, but just trying to get the rest of my questions answered. Thank you for all your past and future help. You people are wonderful
Aaron
<Welcome... but I would hold off on either BF for the described size/volume system and tankmates you list. Your system is headed for overload as it is.
I'd be looking into another or larger tank. Bob Fenner>

Longnose Butterfly... reef safe, Aiptasia pred.  – 09/17/08
Hello,
<<Greetings Mike>>
I have been doing some research and have found several references to the Long nose Butterfly being as reef safe as the Copperband and it being just as likely to eat Aiptasia.
<<This is so…as long as you understand that “reef safe” is a very relative term and differs as much among individual specimens as it does among differing species>>
Also understand that they are hardier and easier to get to eat.
<<Perhaps easier to get to eat, but not necessarily hardier than Chelmon species in my opinion. Selection of healthy individuals and careful acclimation are key to success with both genera and C. rostratus has proven very hardy in my experience once settled in and if feeding well. But generally speaking, yes, Forcipiger species are thought to be easier to get to this point>>
Any truth to this, would like to get one to help control Aiptasia and I have wanted a butterfly for a long time.
<<My experience with the so-called “Aiptasia predators”…whether piscine or otherwise…is not to expect too much re. As with so much else, this too varies between individuals. And even when a fish starts out feeding on the Aiptasia, more often than not this soon diminishes as the fish learns there are other (tastier?) morsels about. But even so, this fish is very worthy of keeping if you can provide an adequate environment (please do read here and among the associated links: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/forcipig.htm )>>
Thanks,
Mike Winston
<<Happy to share. Eric Russell>>