Lat. Chelmon rostratus, commonly known as the Copperband Butterflyfish or Beaked Coralfish, is a beautiful and popular fish species among aquarists and divers. It is a member of the Chaetodontidae family, which includes around 120 species of butterflyfishes.

Copperband Butterflyfish is a striking fish with a unique coloration and pattern. It has a slender, elongated body with a distinct beaked mouth, which it uses to feed on invertebrates like polychaete worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. The fish's body is predominantly white with several copper-colored vertical bands that run from the head to the tail. The bands are interrupted by a black stripe, which gives the fish a distinctive appearance. The fins are yellow-orange, and the eyes are surrounded by a blue ring, adding to the fish's beauty.

The Copperband Butterflyfish is a relatively small fish, growing to a maximum size of around 8 inches (20 cm). Juvenile Copperbands are smaller and have more distinct copper bands than adults.

The Copperband Butterflyfish is a reef-dwelling fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is commonly found in shallow waters near coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky shores. The fish is widely distributed, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia, and from the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef.

Copperband Butterflyfish is a peaceful fish that can be kept with other peaceful fish species in a community tank. However, it is not recommended to keep multiple Copperbands in the same tank as they can become aggressive towards one another. The fish is also known to nip at soft corals and anemones, so it's not recommended to keep it in a reef tank with these types of organisms. Copperbands are active swimmers and require plenty of swimming space.

The Copperband Butterflyfish is primarily a carnivore and feeds on invertebrates like polychaete worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet that includes frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill.

Copperbands can be picky eaters, so it's important to offer a variety of foods and ensure they are getting enough nutrition.

Copperband Butterflyfish can be kept in a saltwater aquarium that's at least 55 gallons in size. The tank should have plenty of hiding places, such as live rock and coral, as well as open swimming space. The water temperature should be maintained between 72-78°F (22-26°C), with a pH level between 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Copperbands are sensitive to changes in water quality and can be susceptible to diseases such as marine ich, velvet, and lymphocystis. It's important to maintain good water quality by performing regular water changes, testing water parameters, and using a protein skimmer to remove organic waste.

Copperband Butterflyfish are not commonly bred in captivity, but it is possible. The fish is a monogamous spawner and forms pairs during the breeding season. The eggs are released into the water column and left to hatch on their own. The larvae require planktonic food and are difficult to rear in captivity.

Lat. Chelmon rostratus, or the Copperband Butterflyfish, is a beautiful and popular fish species that requires careful attention and care.