Copperband

[fishoholic]

As far as I'm concerned with CBB's it's almost 100% luck of the draw. I've owned 3 CBB's in total. I honestly believe most CBB's are cyanide caught and don't have much chance of survival. If you're lucky enough to get one that isn't cyanide caught and eats frozen and survives for over 4 months then usually you'll be ok. However it seems with this fish there are no guarantees.

The first one we got was about 2-2 1/2" when we got him and (please God hopefully I don't jinx myself by saying this) seems to be bullet proof. It has survived 2 tank moves, marine velvet, 2 weeks of copper treatment and high nitrates. I've had him now for about 3 1/2 years and he's about 3-3 1/2". He eats mysis and aptasia.

The 2nd one 4" I tried I got from a guy selling fish out of his warehouse and I got it for $10. However it was in rough shape when I picked it up and needless to say it only lived for 3 days.

The 3rd one I got was a small one 1" but it was eating mysis at the lfs when I bought it. He lived for almost 2 months was eating mysis well, then for no apparent reason he died.

I don't think there is any magical conditions that make it more likely for CBB's to survive. I honestly believe it's hit or miss/luck of the draw. I think good water parameters, ones that are 2-3" and eating mysis help, but really you never know with this fish.

Here's a pic. of my current semi-bullet proof CBB