{"product_id":"copperband-butterfly","title":"Copperband Butterfly - Chelmon rostratus","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"72\" data-start=\"0\" data-section-id=\"1i6wjwc\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"70\" data-start=\"4\"\u003eIntroduction to Copperband Butterflyfish (\u003cem data-end=\"67\" data-start=\"48\"\u003eChelmon rostratus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"589\" data-start=\"73\"\u003eThe Copperband Butterflyfish is one of the most recognizable and sought-after saltwater fish, known for its striking vertical copper bands and elongated snout. Native to Indo-Pacific reefs, these fish are often seen picking at rockwork in search of small invertebrates. They are especially popular among reef keepers for their potential to help control nuisance pests like Aiptasia. However, their specialized feeding habits and sensitivity make them better suited for experienced aquarists with established systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"623\" data-start=\"596\" data-section-id=\"wuxbr3\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"621\" data-start=\"600\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"623\" data-start=\"596\" data-section-id=\"wuxbr3\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"621\" data-start=\"600\"\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"829\" data-start=\"624\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"639\" data-start=\"624\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to Difficult\u003cbr data-end=\"664\" data-start=\"661\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"686\" data-start=\"664\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75+ gallons\u003cbr data-end=\"701\" data-start=\"698\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"720\" data-start=\"701\"\u003eAquarium Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires mature live rock with natural food sources, plenty of swimming space, and stable water parameters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1021\" data-start=\"831\"\u003eCopperbands do best in established aquariums where they can continuously graze throughout the day. A calm environment with minimal aggression from tankmates is key to helping them acclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1054\" data-start=\"1028\" data-section-id=\"wtxk6s\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1052\" data-start=\"1032\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1054\" data-start=\"1028\" data-section-id=\"wtxk6s\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1052\" data-start=\"1032\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1190\" data-start=\"1055\"\u003eCopperband Butterflyfish are carnivores with specialized feeding behavior, often targeting small worms, crustaceans, and pest anemones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1253\" data-start=\"1192\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1201\" data-start=\"1192\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous – Prefers live and frozen meaty foods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1279\" data-start=\"1255\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1277\" data-start=\"1255\"\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1457\" data-start=\"1280\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1336\" data-start=\"1280\" data-section-id=\"1bk3trh\"\u003eLive blackworms (great for initial feeding response)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1377\" data-start=\"1337\" data-section-id=\"1rcsd6u\"\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1416\" data-start=\"1378\" data-section-id=\"1m9x4v6\"\u003eClams or mussels on the half shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1457\" data-start=\"1417\" data-section-id=\"jnhrbx\"\u003eSmall crustaceans found in live rock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1614\" data-start=\"1459\"\u003eGetting them to eat prepared foods can be one of the biggest challenges. Offering a variety of options and starting with live foods often improves success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1653\" data-start=\"1621\" data-section-id=\"1fbz1uh\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1651\" data-start=\"1625\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1653\" data-start=\"1621\" data-section-id=\"1fbz1uh\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1651\" data-start=\"1625\"\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1738\" data-start=\"1654\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1654\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10+ years\u003cbr data-end=\"1682\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1698\" data-start=\"1682\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate – Can reach up to 7–8 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1832\" data-start=\"1740\"\u003eWith proper care and consistent feeding, they can grow steadily and adapt well to captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1876\" data-start=\"1839\" data-section-id=\"1380gee\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1843\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1876\" data-start=\"1839\" data-section-id=\"1380gee\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1843\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1988\" data-start=\"1877\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1893\" data-start=\"1877\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr data-end=\"1905\" data-start=\"1902\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1919\" data-start=\"1905\"\u003eReef Safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution – May pick at feather dusters, clams, and some corals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2197\" data-start=\"1990\"\u003eCopperbands are generally non-aggressive and do best with other peaceful tankmates. They should not be housed with aggressive or highly competitive feeders, as this can prevent them from getting enough food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2248\" data-start=\"2204\" data-section-id=\"etbuhk\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2246\" data-start=\"2208\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2248\" data-start=\"2204\" data-section-id=\"etbuhk\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2246\" data-start=\"2208\"\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2274\" data-start=\"2251\"\u003eFeeding Difficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many individuals struggle to accept prepared foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2356\" data-start=\"2330\"\u003eSensitivity to Stress:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires stable water conditions and a calm tank environment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2447\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003eCompetition for Food:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be outcompeted by aggressive eaters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2522\" data-start=\"2492\"\u003ePest Control Expectations:\u003c\/strong\u003e While they may eat Aiptasia, results are not guaranteed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2613\" data-start=\"2587\" data-section-id=\"1tba2fn\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2611\" data-start=\"2591\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2613\" data-start=\"2587\" data-section-id=\"1tba2fn\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2611\" data-start=\"2591\"\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2723\" data-start=\"2614\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2630\" data-start=\"2614\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–77°F\u003cbr data-end=\"2641\" data-start=\"2638\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2662\" data-start=\"2641\"\u003edKH (Alkalinity):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\u003cbr data-end=\"2670\" data-start=\"2667\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2677\" data-start=\"2670\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.3\u003cbr data-end=\"2688\" data-start=\"2685\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2709\" data-start=\"2688\"\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50820068770090,"sku":"BUTTERxCopperS","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50814630723882,"sku":"BUTTERxCopperM","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50814630756650,"sku":"BUTTERxCopperL","price":159.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":50814630789418,"sku":"BUTTERxCopperX","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-copperband-butterfly-chelmon-rostratus-1231903017.png?v=1775849171","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/copperband-butterfly","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}