Butterfly group Tank

[gusmanda]

Any species that can be kept in groups? Say in a 200g tank. Or will different species get along?

[fish042099]

Pyramid butterflyfish, schooling bannerfish

[youngspecialist]

most butterflyfish get along

[JSeymour]

most butterflyfish get along

Actually, they don't. Most butterflies hate other butterflies. Until you keep two butterflies in a tank, they appear to be some of the most peaceful fish you could keep. Add another and the vicious chasing, slashing, and stabbing begin. Obviously multiple butterflies can be kept together, but this is one group where there are no guarantees they will get along. Stay away from species that look even slightly similar, whether color or pattern. If possible, add as many as you can at one time.

Here area few generalities regarding temperment. Chaetodons with longer noses typically are more aggressive(falcula, ephippium, etc.). Shorter, round bodied Chaetodons are usually more peaceful(unimaculatus, collare, etc.). Of course these are gross tentencies, but will give you a starting point. I don't have any experience mixing deepwater butterflies, but they appear to mix well.

What species were you hoping to keep together?

[rpjaws74]

Anthias!!

[gusmanda]

I like Heniochus, as the one I had ate absolutely everything, including all visible aipstasia. In general, I like butterfly fish, so if there is one that get's along I would add points during selection time. If it is risky, I'd rather just keep one. Would be cool to have more, but I'm ok with just 1.