Copperband Butterfly

Copperband Butterfly

Description of the Copperband Butterfly
The Copperband Butterfly is also known as the Beak Coral fish or Orange Stripe Butterfly and is a member of the Chelmon family. It can be recognised for its bright yellow bands and longer beaks which it uses to hunt for food in small crevices. It has a false eyespot at the back of its dorsal fin and is not recommended to introduce more than one butterfly fish to avoid aggression.

Profile of the Copperband Butterfly
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Copperband Butterfly species.

• Size: Up to 20cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp: 24-29 Degrees. PH 8.1-8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Dried, Flake, Frozen or live food such as Brine Shrimp

• Habitat: Reef Dweller, depths of up to 25m

• Behaviour: Can be aggressive, best to keep on their own

• Range: Pacific and Indian Oceans

Scientific Classification of the Copperband Butterfly
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Chelmon rostratus

• Popular Name: Copperband Butterflyfish - Orange Stripe Butterfly - Beaked Coralfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Chaetodontidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Copperband Butterfly?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Copperband Butterfly slimy?
Copperband Butterfly secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Copperband Butterfly to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Copperband Butterfly have gills?
Gills enable the Copperband Butterfly to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Copperband Butterfly have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Copperband Butterfly has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Copperband Butterfly has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Copperband Butterfly has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Copperband Butterfly has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Copperband Butterfly