Copperband Butterflyfish

The Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is one of the most elegant and recognizable fish in the saltwater hobby. Crisp pearl-white body banded with four brilliant copper-orange vertical stripes, a long tweezer-like snout built for picking, and a false eyespot on the rear dorsal fin to confuse predators — pure understated beauty.

Famous in the reefing world as one of the few fish that will actively hunt and eat Aiptasia anemones — the dreaded pest that overruns many reef tanks. A well-acclimated Copperband can clear a tank of nuisance anemones over time, making them as functional as they are stunning.

Important: Copperbands are considered an expert-level fish due to their picky eating habits. New arrivals often refuse frozen and pellet foods, requiring patience and live food coaxing (live brine, blackworms, or clam on the half shell) to wean onto a captive diet. They are best for established mature reef systems with abundant live rock and microfauna. Not recommended for beginners.

Reef caution: Generally reef-safe, but may nip at tube worms, clam mantles, and some soft corals.

At Ocean To You, every fish is quarantined, observed eating, and confirmed feeding before sale. We don't sell sick fish.