Thinking about a Longnose Butterfly

05Xrunner · #1 12/26/2006, 09:43 AM

I was thinking of getting a longnose tonight. I always liked them. The store near me has one for only 16.99
I am just worried I have this stupid Gorilla crab in my tank and I am wondering if it would try to get the fish. I am only keeping this crab for food. Just dont wanna have him go eat my butterfly before he is used up.
Should I go for it or pass.

Charlie97L · #2 12/26/2006, 09:55 AM

I'd just pull the crab out and put him in a separate container or something.

i don't know how big the crab is, or the fish, but it shouldn't be able to take down a good sized butterfly.

what species are you looking at? i've been trying to find a pyramid for a while.

05Xrunner · #3 12/26/2006, 10:18 AM

this is the one they have...

the crab is about 1.5" across

kirdes · #4 12/26/2006, 10:57 AM

I have a tank with quite a few Zoanthids in it and was hoping to either get a longnose or a Pearlscale butterfly.....are either of these reef safe? Are my zoanthids safe from bueng eatin?

Charlie97L · #5 12/26/2006, 11:01 AM

i believe both of those are "with caution."

Dakota Reef · #6 12/26/2006, 12:42 PM

05X - I've kept my Longnose Butterfly in a mixed reef for over 4 years without him causing any problems. When he's in hunting mode, I've seen him peck at a snail which never seems to cause any harm other than the occassional one who's so suprised he falls off the glass and I have to turn him upright.

I've chosen not to put a clam in the tank because of him but thats not based on anything more than conjecture. He's never even glanced at any of my zoanthids, star polyps, xenia or sps which I expect would be the most likely targets.

Depending on what other fish you have in your tank, your biggest challenge will likely be getting him enough food over the long term to keep him healthy. Its not too hard to get them eating most food even flakes, but they can't handle large pieces and while they're inspecting a potential morsel other fish beat them to it.

I've got several tangs and a Majestic Angel with him in the tank and he'd never get enough to eat without some help. So I devised a clear plastic feeder with several small holes in it so he can peck out some of the frozen cube foods. Works like a charm.

Good luck if you get him. A great fish.

05Xrunner · #7 12/26/2006, 02:40 PM

well i dont have a reef. I just have a few pieces of live rock and other decor. I was more worried about the stupid gorilla crab hurting him.
All I have is a Bahama starfish, Gorilla crab, and 2 small hermits

Dakota Reef · #8 12/26/2006, 05:50 PM

Sorry, I guess it was Kirdes asking if they were reef safe.

Don't think your gorilla crab will cause a LNB any problems though.

05Xrunner · #9 12/26/2006, 06:07 PM

well just to be sure...that gorilla is going to be tossed in a little 2.5gal tank I got laying around. He is more hassle then the 2.99 he cost.

he was neat looking. but I didnt know what it was and he looked neat being purple and all hairy.

JamesJR · #10 12/26/2006, 08:35 PM

Kirdes, I wouldn't get a pearlscale if you have zooanthids and don't want them to get nipped on. They are pretty omnivorous.
if you'd like I can think of several other butterflies that would make much better choices.

05Xrunner · #11 12/26/2006, 11:08 PM

well they didnt have the butterfly it got sold..So I got the Dragon wrasse that I really wanted as well.
This stupid Gorilla crab actually came out from his little den to try an attack the Dragon. the dragon is a good bit larger then the crab to...the crab is gone. he is in a bucket and will not go back in my tank.