Is Copperband Butterflyfish a freshwater fish?

No. Chelmon rostratus is a marine butterflyfish and must be kept in a mature saltwater aquarium.

Is Copperband Butterflyfish easy to keep?

It is best for experienced marine keepers because feeding response and stability are critical.

What does Copperband Butterflyfish eat?

Offer suitable marine meaty foods and encourage feeding carefully; many individuals are specialist feeders.

What tank size suits Copperband Butterflyfish?

Use a mature marine aquarium of around 450 litres or more with peaceful tank mates and stable water.

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) in a planted aquarium — representative image

Copperband Butterflyfish is a specialist marine butterflyfish for mature, stable saltwater aquariums and experienced marine keepers.

Butterfly FishMarine FishSaltwater FishSpecialist Feeding

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Chelmon rostratus

Max Adult Size

up to 20 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Advanced

Temperament

Peaceful but specialist

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

8.1–8.4

Minimum Tank

450L

Diet

Carnivore / specialist feeder

Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.

Chelmon rostratus

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Name: Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: MF05
Price: 79.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Peaceful

£79.99

Live arrival guaranteed. Full refund or replacement if they don’t arrive healthy. Packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed.

£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge however many fish you add — everything travels together with a licensed live-animal courier.

Read our reviews on Google or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and clear delivery updates for live aquatics.

Copperband Butterflyfish is a specialist marine butterflyfish for mature, stable saltwater aquariums and experienced marine keepers.

Butterfly FishMarine FishSaltwater FishSpecialist Feeding

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Chelmon rostratus

Max Adult Size

up to 20 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Advanced

Temperament

Peaceful but specialist

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

8.1–8.4

Minimum Tank

450L

Diet

Carnivore / specialist feeder

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal28°C

pH Level

8.1–8.4

8.1Ideal8.4

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Copperband Butterflyfish is a beautiful marine butterflyfish with a long snout and bold copper bands. It is a specialist saltwater species for mature, stable marine aquariums and should not be treated like a generic freshwater tropical fish.

Care summary

Adult size: around 20 cm
Aquarium: 450 litres or more, mature and stable
Water: marine salinity, 24-28C and pH around 8.1-8.4
Diet: specialist marine meaty foods; feeding response should be watched closely
Behaviour: generally peaceful, but delicate if outcompeted or kept in unstable systems

Tank mates and setup

Choose peaceful marine companions that will not bully the fish or steal every feed. Avoid new, unstable marine tanks, aggressive feeders and cramped reef systems. Some individuals may pick at worms or small sessile invertebrates.