dead copperband

[mike31154]

A few searches on the net regarding Copperbands & you'll find the success rate in keeping them any longer than a few months is extremely low. A few folks have been able to keep them for years, but they are the exception. Honestly I'm not sure why LFS even bring these fish in for sale, or why some animal rights or reef conservationists haven't caused an uproar over these. Of course the above is mostly an opinion, but I also purchased one of these when I was a noob & hadn't properly researched. I was unable to get the fish to eat & was obliged to watch as it slowly starved to death despite my best efforts to find something it would eat. Needless to say, I learned that lesson & will never buy another, despite the fact that they are one of the most strikingly beautiful fish offered in the hobby.

With regard to what fish to replace it with, this will depend on what other livestock you have in the tank. Some critters get along, many don't, so make sure you do your homework in that regard prior to making another purchase.