{"title":"Butterfly Fishes","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"copperband-butterflyfish","title":"Copperband Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after species in the marine aquarium hobby, instantly recognizable by its elegant shape and striking coloration. Often referred to as the Beaked Butterflyfish or Orange Stripe Butterfly, it uses its long, slender snout to probe rock crevices and substrate for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts body has four vertical copper-orange bands outlined in black against a silvery-white to yellowish-white background. A prominent black eyespot near the rear dorsal fin helps confuse predators. This species is generally peaceful but is a finicky feeder, best suited for expert aquarists. It is also known for consuming nuisance Aiptasia anemones in reef tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e Minimum 120 gallons to provide stable water volume and swimming space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEstablished System:\u003c\/b\u003e Best kept in aquariums 6 months or older with plenty of live rock for grazing on micro-fauna.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/b\u003e Stability is critical.\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72°F – 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.020 – 1.025 s.g.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.1 – 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/b\u003e 8 – 12 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeding is the most critical aspect. Copperbands are shy, deliberate eaters, and prone to starvation in tanks with aggressive or fast-feeding tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eInitial Feeding:\u003c\/b\u003e Require live foods like blackworms, amphipods, or brine shrimp to stimulate eating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTransition to Prepared Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e Frozen, gut-loaded PE Mysis shrimp, shaved clam or scallop meat, and high-quality frozen marine food blends. Targeted feeding with a pipette or baster may help.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/b\u003e Offer food multiple times per day as they are constant grazers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eCompatibility and Reef Safety\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSocial:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep singly unless a known bonded pair. Avoid housing with other Copperbands or similar Butterflyfish due to territorial behavior. Peaceful tank mates are recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eReef Safety:\u003c\/b\u003e Useful for controlling Aiptasia anemones but may nip at Tridacna clam mantles, feather duster worms, and certain soft or LPS corals. Exercise caution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Marine Fish Masters","offers":[{"title":"Small 2-3\"","offer_id":51422607900964,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium 3-4\"","offer_id":51422607933732,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large 4-6\"","offer_id":51422607966500,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Show 6\"+","offer_id":51422607999268,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/7330\/9732\/files\/CopperbandButterflyfish.png?v=1762430236"},{"product_id":"heniochus-butterflyfish","title":"Heniochus Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Heniochus Butterflyfish, or Longfin Bannerfish, is a distinctively patterned and generally hardy marine fish that serves as an excellent feature in a large aquarium. Its striking appearance features bold black and white vertical bands across a laterally compressed body.\u003cbr\u003eThe most characteristic feature is its dramatically elongated, white dorsal fin ray, which streams backward like a pennant or banner—earning it the name \"Bannerfish.\" The tail (caudal fin), pelvic fins, and the soft posterior portion of the dorsal fin are typically a contrasting yellow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften confused with the Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus), the Heniochus is much hardier, easier to feed, and more adaptable to aquarium life, making it a popular and more sustainable choice for hobbyists. While generally peaceful, they use their pointed snout to explore rock crevices for food and may be prone to nipping at certain sessile invertebrates if not adequately fed. They are active swimmers and can be kept individually or in peaceful groups in large setups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A minimum of 100 gallons is required, though 125 gallons or more is strongly recommended for adult specimens due to their potential size and active swimming nature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e The aquarium should be well-established with plenty of open swimming space in the water column. Provide ample live rock structure with overhangs, caves, and crevices, as they use these for exploration, grazing, and shelter when stressed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stable and high-quality water is essential:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72°F – 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.020 – 1.025 s.g.M\/li\u0026gt;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1 – 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 – 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heniochus Butterflyfish is an omnivore and should be fed a varied diet multiple times per day to prevent it from picking at corals or other invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e They should be provided with a mix of meaty foods and herbivore preparations, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen foods like enriched Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality marine flake and pellet foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHerbivore preparations, dried algae (Nori), or spirulina-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncouraging Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e If the fish is shy or reluctant to eat upon introduction, try pressing food into the live rock crevices to mimic its natural foraging behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and Reef Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSocial:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is peaceful and generally gets along well with most non-aggressive tankmates. They can be kept as solitary individuals, in pairs, or in small groups (schools) if the aquarium is large enough to accommodate them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safety:\u003c\/strong\u003e They are classified as \u003cstrong\u003e\"Reef Compatible with Caution.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e While they primarily eat plankton, their natural tendency to graze means they may occasionally nip at sessile invertebrates. Hobbyists report that they sometimes pick at the mantles of Tridacna clams, large-polyp stony (LPS) corals, and certain soft corals like tube worms. Maintaining a high feeding schedule is the best way to reduce the likelihood of this behavior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Marine Fish Masters","offers":[{"title":"Small 2-3\"","offer_id":51422604394788,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium 3-4\"","offer_id":51422604427556,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large 4-6\"","offer_id":51422604460324,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Show 6\"+","offer_id":51422604493092,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/7330\/9732\/files\/HeniochusButterflyfish.png?v=1762431167"},{"product_id":"pyramid-butterfly","title":"Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), also known as the Yellow Pyramid or Yellow Zoster Butterflyfish, is peaceful and visually striking. Unlike some finicky butterflyfish, it is hardy and readily accepts prepared foods, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts body has a central white or pale yellow triangular \"pyramid\" shape, bright yellow fins, and a dark head and pectoral region. In the wild, they school in open water, feeding on plankton. This behavior and diet make them one of the few truly reef-safe butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 120–125 gallons minimum for active swimming and reduced stress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/b\u003e Ample live rock for hiding, though they prefer swimming in the water column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/b\u003e Stable water quality is key.\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72°F – 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.020 – 1.026 s.g.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.1 – 8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/b\u003e 8 – 12 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePyramid Butterflyfish are opportunistic omnivores that feed on plankton. They are easy to feed compared to other butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e Varied diet of meaty and vegetable foods, including frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton, freeze-dried foods, and dried flake or pellet food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/b\u003e Several small feedings per day to meet their high metabolism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eCompatibility and Reef Safety\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSocial:\u003c\/b\u003e Highly peaceful; can be kept singly, as a pair, or in small schools in large tanks (180+ gallons). Avoid aggressive tank mates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eReef Safety:\u003c\/b\u003e One of the safest butterflyfish for reefs. Rarely nip at stony corals, but may occasionally nip at Xenia or soft corals if underfed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Marine Fish Masters","offers":[{"title":"Small 2-3\"","offer_id":51422603673892,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium 3-4\"","offer_id":51422603706660,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large 4-6\"","offer_id":51422603739428,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Show 6\"+","offer_id":51422603772196,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/7330\/9732\/files\/PyramidButterfly.png?v=1762432174"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/7330\/9732\/collections\/Rectangle_3_1_811e5201-7a0d-4c49-8ede-c1d79b2d3df9.png?v=1762429996","url":"https:\/\/krffii-gg.myshopify.com\/collections\/butterfly-fishes.oembed","provider":"Marine Fish Masters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}