Quite possibly the dumbest thing I have ever tried in a reef tank.
2.5 inch Golden Butterfly currently in quarantine at LFS. Going to try and get him eating frozen food first. Then I am going to try the "will he sample coral polyps" test in the quarantine tank. If he passes all these tests he is going in the reef. Supposedly he was eating frozen at wholesaler. He appeared to be picking on algae at LFS. That was strange.
If he does not pass tests, we will find him a good fish only home.
Don't even want to think about the possibility of him going to town on the corals in the reef tank and me trying to get him out.
I can make room for some coral if you want to switch to a FO tank.. haha. Nice fish. Butterflies are nice. I seem to have lost mine over the weekend. Never ate in the tank despite eating in the store.
I asked you in that sfw.com thread if you ever see any swallowtail angels on any of the lists that dave gets in. I'm thinking about putting one in my tank after christmas.
I bet that one set your wallet back, eh? It is not uncommon for many butterflies to sample small amounts of algae, though it is usually due to the fact that they are searching for small animals living among it. semilarvatus butterflies aren't reef safe, as you will soon find (I really havent heard any exceptions on this one). Nice one, BTW.
That is risky. At least you are going to test drive it. I would give it a couple of weeks with every genus of coral that you have or plan on having. It was not this species of butterfly but i read somewhere that they may eat SPS and LPS.
Definetly a risky proposition. I will not be disappointed if it does not work. I have however, talked to a genetleman in houston who is apparently one of the biggest butterfly keepers. He has a pair of Goldens in a reef tank. They nip occasionally but do not damage.
As all may have noticed, there is almost no published info on experiences with butterflys except for copperbands. The key has been getting them to eat in the first place just to live.
I did not pay much more than wholesale so the risk is relatively minor. If I can get it to eat frozen but still wants corals, I will find it a nice home. It really is gorgeous. Anyone in Pensacola can see it at Aquaria. The picture does not do it justice.
Drew, We can get anything you want. Just talk to Dave or let me know.
Drew, Just to follow up there are swallowtails on the current list. Both male and females are available. Prices aren't bad at all. I would let Dave know if you are interested.
The also have Watanabei available. They are prettier sometimes.
Good luck! Name him, that always helps.
