FISH OF THE WEEK ~ Copperbanded Butterfly ~ Known to eat Aiptasia

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Quick Facts :: Copperband Butterflyfish Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Maximum Size: 8" Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons Reef Compatible: Yes, With Caution Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4 Diet: Carnivore Origin: Indo-Pacific Family: Chaetodontidae Species: Butterflyfish Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible
Copperband Butterflyfish Aquarium Care, Feeding and Native Habitat Information The Copperband Butterflyfish, is also commonly referred to as the Beaked Butterflyfish,  Beaked Coralfish, or Orange Stripe Butterfly. It has a long, narrow nose and mouth used  for hunting into crevices and holes for food along the reef. The Copperband Butterflyfish  has yellow-orange vertical bands with a black edging, with a false eyespot on the rear of  the dorsal fin. While it is a very attractive fish, it is difficult fish to keep in the home aquarium  due to its delicate nature and somewhat specialized feeding habits. Even though it is not a large fish,  the Copperband needs a large aquarium with plenty of live rock so it can forage for food.  This species should only be kept by advanced hobbyists with either suitable reef aquariums or  a peaceful community aquarium. The Copperbanded Butterflyfish is easily recognizeable by its copper colored vertical bands over a  silver/white body. They have a black eye spot near its dorsal fin and a long pointed snout.  Copperband Butterflyfish blend copper, orange, yellow, silver, white and black coloration with a  unique striped pattern to form a very visually appealing fish. The Copperband Butterflyfish is best housed in very large reefs, or in peaceful community tanks,  where it should be kept singly and not with similar butterflyfish or any boisterous stress-inducing fish. While this species it suitable for some reef aquariums, caution should be exercised as they may pick on some  invertebrates, especially anemones and feather dusters. They are an excellent fish when used to control aiptasia, or glass anemones, in the reef aquarium. While Butterflyfish in general tend to be  viewed as potential coral eaters, Copperband butterflyfish are generally reef safe. However, this  can be hit or miss in that some specimens will clear the aquarium of small fan worms where other  ones will leave them alone. The Copperband Butterflyfish is a very non-aggressive fish that can be  bullied by more aggressive fish, so be on the lookout for this when introducing a new fish. Only  one should be kept per tank to prevent fighting. Large amounts of live rock are necessary to keep  this species as they will provide a major food source, places to retreat when the fish feels threatened  and place for the Copperband to take cover at night. The Copperband Butterflyfish is a specialized feeder and can be difficult to feed in the aquarium  environment. It is a shy and deliberate feeder that may need a variety of foods offered to it in order  to get it started feeding. A large established reef aquarium or peaceful community aquarium with an  abundance of live rock will help this species find suitable food items. A good part of its nutrition will  come from feeding on the small life forms found on live rock; such as, copepods and small fan worms. They will also usually take smallish meaty foods such as frozen brine shrimp, blood worms and  sometimes mysid shrimp. Keep in mind that they have very small mouths that are designed for  getting to food in rock crevices and will usually not attempt to eat larger food items.   Copperbanded  butterflyfish may compete for food with other live rock foragers such as Mandarinfish and some  gobies. **Many finicky eaters can be brought to eat by using Blackworms and training them to eat mysid  along with it.  These fish are for the advanced aquarist.   They absolutely LOVE clam on the half shell. See video below to see how you would prepare this food for your Butterfly.  © 2014 AquariumDomain.com All Rights Reserved.

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Bubble Algae Problem in Your Saltwater Tank? Think Emerald Crab

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Quick Facts :: Emerald Mithrax Crab Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Maximum Size: 3" Diet: Omnivore Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks Minimum Tank Size: 12 Gallons Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78� F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4 Supplements: None Coloration: Green Origin: Caribbean, Western Atlantic Family: Majidae Species: Crabs
The Emerald Mithrax Crab is a very hardy specimen, that is sought after for reef and fish only aquariums for its ability to eat many different types of marine algae including nuisance algae. The Emerald Mithrax Crab is also commonly referred to within the aquarium trade as the Emerald Crab or Emerald Mythrax Crab. The Emerald Mithrax Crab is a bright green color with a flat body, evenly sized claws and hairy legs. This species is very popular for use in an aquarium cleaning crew because of its varied appetite for multiple marine algae and leftover foodstuffs, but also for its ease of care and peaceful demeanor towards other tank inhabitants. The Emerald Mithrax Crab requires a established aquarium with plenty of live rock and reef work for hiding places and to scavenge for algae. The Emerald Mithrax Crab eats algae and various types of meaty items it can scavenge both on the rock work and on the aquarium bottom. It is not harmful to other aquarium inhabitants except for possibly very small fish, but unlike many other invertebrate species, it will eat bubble algae and is extremely useful for cleaning tanks of this potential problem. Emerald Mithrax Crabs are opportunistic feeders, and sufficient food is not available to them, they may turn to supplementing their diet with corals or invertebrates; however, this can be prevented by simply supplementing their diet with dried seaweed or meaty preparations if adequate algae is not present. The Emerald Mithrax Crab is an omnivore and will eat primarily marine algae and any leftover meaty foods that it may come across while scavenging. If there is insufficient algae, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed, chopped meaty items or a quality pellet food.  © 2014 AquariumDomain.com All Rights Reserved.