Butterflyfish

Are there any completely reef safe butterflies out there?

 

the pyramid butterfly also known as zosters butterfly

 

They aren't 100% guaranteed to be reef safe, but are much more so than other butterflies such as the copper bands. I would liken them to dwarf angels such as the coral beauty.

 

It really depends. And what exactly are you going to keep? Out of every single person I have talked to that own a Copperband, all have said they were fine in the reefs, with the exception of feather dusters. And many have had good luck with Heniochus. Some have had the aforementioned coral beauties absolutley go nuts around reefs and tear everything apart, lol. I think it really comes down to the particular fish. Some will be nice and safe, others won't. That seems to be the way with dealing with any fish thats "on the fringe". I would suggest if you give it a try, see if your LFS will take it back in a few if it doesn't work out. If they will, then go for it.

 

copper bands can be clam nippers also. I know one of the only butterfly's other than the heniochus that is considered reef safe is the pyramid

 

I looked up the Pyramid Butterfly, and according to what i read, it IS NOT reef safe. It also says it will eat crustacians.