keeping a copperband butterflyfish

[flintcore]

I picked up a copperband at the store 'cause it was eatin but not that fast if you actually watch it, problem is now its stopped eatin in my tank its lookin around but like it dont know what its doin, like its lost its way or somethin what could be goin on

[rusticfox]

Copperbands can be right fragile, prone to starving or gut parasites, so it's crucial to get them eating ASAP. Initially, try placing some live rock near them or offering frozen foods, even better live ones, to entice them to feed. Establishing them can be a challenge, so be patient and persistent.

[flintcore]

Another thing, when I feed any food, my chromis just Hoover it all up, especially live food, so there's nothing left for her. She does look around the rockwork, in crevices and all that, but doesn't bother the feather dusters, and she's always showing her hair, you know, spiky fins on top of her head.

[rusticfox]

You could try using a pipette or syringe to target feed some frozen food into the nooks and crannies of your rockwork. This might encourage your copperband to forage naturally, and hopefully the chromis will be too distracted by the current to notice.

[flintcore]

I managed to get some food on the rockwork, made a paste with the pellets, and surprisingly the chromis found it. I did see her eat a mysis once, though - I had a bunch of frozen mysis get blown onto the rock by the power head and she started eating it, but then the chromis came along, took it right out of her mouth, and ate it themselves. Can't replicate that again, had to reposition the power heads.

[rusticfox]

Give it time, it'll come around to accepting prepared foods eventually. Stick with the frozen, especially the smaller stuff, and keep trying.

[flame9x]

Honestly, these fish aren't meant for our tanks. I've seen it time and time again, they just don't do well in captivity. Copperbands are one of those species that are best left in the wild. If you're dead set on keeping one, I'd recommend checking out the Copperband Butterfly Primer - it's got some solid advice on how to increase their chances of survival. Just remember, it's an uphill battle.

[flintcore]

Do you think krill would be a good option or should I just stick with the mysis, I'm trying to get her to eat something.

[rusticfox]

Look at its mouth, Dodge... a fine small food is needed. I'd start with brine shrimp to get its appetite going, then maybe cut up mysis, and eventually whole ones.

[flame9x]

I think the Copperband Butterfly Primer has all the info you need. Honestly, I think it's best for the fish if you return it to the store, you're still getting the hang of this and it's a lot to handle, not trying to be harsh, just looking out for the fish's well-being.