Black and White Heniochus Butterfly

[coppessfam]

I just purchased a Black and White Heniochus Butterfly last night. I am still new to the reef tank. So i didn't realize they are not reef friendly. Should I try and return the Butterfly or will it be OK around the Zoos and a Feather Duster I currently have in my tank and are doing well. Next time I will know better. Live and learn I guess. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kathywithbirds]

Friend has one, no problems so far. It likes to pick at the LR though.

 

[coppessfam]

I might try and keep it around for a little while. See how it does.

 

[BoomerD]

I know several people who keep heni's in their reefs. As you noted, they may pick at zoanthids and most likely will rid your tank of those nasty feather dusters... but may also help with aiptasia.
They aren't considered to be easy fish to keep, but definitely are easier than the moorish idols they resemble. I hope you have a large tank with lots of live rock. They'll need it to survive long-term.

Heniochus

 

[AQTCJAK]

I have put schools in larger tanks & they seem to fare rather well. feather dusters are definely dust though.

 

[panmanmatt]

I have one in my reef tank and can attest that he likes to taste my zoas. he will take 1 polyp off every colony when I first add them, after that he leaves them alone. He also has not touched a single feather duster and I must have close to a hundred of those little ones in the tank.
Guess like anything else, it depends on the individual fish.

 

[Jake]

I had one about 20 years ago back when undergravel and large dead coral pieces were the norm. He was great, cool fish, ate great for a few years till major tank crash. Can't offer any advise on his reef nipping skills though.