Just in - C. declivis Butterflies and Juv Orange Tail Emperor

[rmougey]

A couple of neat new critters are in stock.

A couple of Cheatodon declivis butterfly fish. These are deep water butterflies from the Raops family, related to C. tinkeri and C. burgess. They are planktavores, which makes then easy to keep in captivity.

Also, a rare juvenile Pomacanthus imperator (Orange Tail Emperor) from Christmas Island.

 

[Wicked Color]

that butterfly is sweet! are they as reef safe as the other butterflys?

 

[Cherub]

that butterfly is sweet! are they as reef safe as the other butterflys?

from reefhotspot.com

Most butterflyfish are known to nip at sessile invertebrates including coral and tridacnid clams. This species mainly feeds on coral polyps in the wild.

http://www.reefhotspot.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=589

 

[rmougey]

These are deep water butterflies and coral polyps are not their natural foods, they are planktovores. That's why all of the deep water butterflies are fairly easy to keep. There are many butterflies that do exclusively eat coral polyps and they should not be collected as their prognosis is not good in captivity.

All butterflies are a risk in a reef. Many are opportunistic feeders. If your going to try a butterfly, you want to look at Copperband, Marginalis, Declivis, Burgess, Tinkers, Longnose, Kleini and Raccoon. Just be prepared that your favorite butterfly might develop a taste for your favorite coral! I know a couple of folks who have chosen to give up their Acans in order to keep Copperbands in order to help control Aiptasia.

Would I pop one of these beauties in a reef? No. It's risky. But there are many who have.... and several who have had to pull them back out.