The Graceful Copperband Butterflyfish

The elegant and slender fish in this vibrant coral reef scene is a Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus). In my decades of…

The elegant and slender fish in this vibrant coral reef scene is a Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus). In my decades of observing marine life, I have always been captivated by the unique appearance and specialized feeding habits of this species. Its long, slender snout is perfectly adapted for probing into tight crevices and small holes in the rock and coral. The Copperband Butterflyfish is instantly recognizable by its beautiful color pattern: a white body with several thin, coppery-orange vertical bands. It also has a distinctive black spot on its dorsal fin, which serves to confuse predators. This species is a peaceful forager, typically found alone or in pairs. It is a highly valued species for reef aquariums, as it is one of the few fish that will actively eat nuisance pests like Aiptasia anemones.