Butterfly Fish

[Mikii]

Right now I am really excited! I was looking at Butterflyfish just for the fun of it when I read that they can be housed in a 40 Breeder! Is this true?! That is one of my favorite fish and would love to own one. If it is true, what species can live in a 40?

 

[Mikii]

My tank is 3 feet long

 

[Mikii]

I'd like to get him in there as soon as possible

 

[niteowl03]

Which butterfly fish? Do you plan to keep corals at all?

 

[Mikii]

No corals, just live rock. I do not know which butterfly fish. Possibly a Raccoon or any others that get to 8 inches (they are smaller)

 

[niteowl03]

If they are smaller (2-3") I would say you are fine with the understanding that they will out grow the tank.

 

[Mikii]

Okay, how long would that take? I think I'm going with a Teardrop Butterfly.

 

[niteowl03]

Depends on the size of the fish when you buy him, how you feed them etc. Could be a year or more. I wouldnt keep him past about 4-5" in that tank.

 

[PlanetX]

From what I understand the Long Nose Yellows are the easiest to keep. Copperbands are the hardest. I seem recall reading Fenner gives them about 30 days tops. I'm thinking of trying a Long Nose in a 50 gallon corner hex as the only fish in the tank. I have been shopping around for a small one, around 2" But I think most Butterflies grow to about 4 or 5 inches as adults. But I think the LNB is cool enough to be the single star in my FOWLER.