Karla,
Those are beautiful fish.
I had a Raccoon butterfly once, but never a Copperband. BUT, my Kole did kill my Raccoon. I know you have a Kole so I wanted to let you know. They were in a smaller tank than yours - a 40 breeder (I was in college and didn't know better!) and, more importantly they were the same size. I think that had something to do with it.
Anyway, I am sure you have done your own research, but I wanted to share what I found in case it is different.
One source:
Quote:
Butterflyfish (Most) Many eat coral, all tend to be delicate.
Exceptions: Copperband butterfly (delicate, but coral safe).
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Another source:
Quote:
This article is to inform you about a fish that you may need to advoid, because they are quite delicate. The Copperband Buttefly has an incredible look to it though, and although it may occasionally nip at Open Brain Corals if it is starving, it is generally reef safe and will eat pest anemones (Aipstia), and Bristleworms in the aquarium.
It is estimated that 35% starve to death (due to not quarenting and not giving it the right food) and another 20% die within 3 months. That's over half of them.
Besides not quarenting them, another reason they don't live and die unexplicable deaths is because of their unique diet. They need a whole lot of protein. Mysid shrimp should be offered as opposed to Brine. Possibly frozen squid. Clam meat, maybe scallops, and mussels should be offered along with the standard flakes and lettuce. Black Worms could possibly be another suitable food. Where their imported from and how they're caught does make a big difference, however this pretty fish needs specific dietary conditions in order to survive for the long term, and Brine Shrimp as the only source of food just does not cut it.
Getting them to accept food in captivity can be quite challenging. Quarentine them in a 10-20 gallon tank, 20 is better, and leave an open mussel in the aquarium for the fish to naturally pick at. When the inside of the Mussell is gone, begin placing other foods into the open Mussell, and eventually you can coax it onto just about any food.
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Sources:
http://www.reefcorner.com/Manual/specimens_to_avoid.htm http://members.tripod.com/mark26/copperband.html
I hope this helps, but I totally agree with you about hearing from someone that actually has one.
So I hope someone speaks up!
