Beautiful tanks and fish!
Where did you get your Copper Band from?
How many did you have to buy to get ones that survive?
Any secrets to getting them to eat?
Thank you for the kind words!
This one came from a local reefer, was a bit on the skinny side when it came in but that is no longer the case. I've actually been pretty fortunate with success on Copperbands going 4/6 over the years. I've sourced my others from LFS and the one before this current specimen from Strikers Reefing.
My experience with the 2 that did not make it ( 1 was in a bag but was cheap, The other was a a baby around 1.25-1.5in too cute to pass up even when it didn't attempt to eat at LFS) Both that passed on could have been from extreme stress or simply unhealthy specimens since they died literally a day or 2 after.
No secrets in getting them to eat, my process is to put them in an isolated tank and literally throw everything at it. White worms, Frozen + Live Brine shrimp, PE Mysis, Live Black Worms, Fresh Clams from the supermarket, bringing over rocks w/ Aptasia + Feather Dusters. The key is finding a healthy specimen that is curious. In addition, if you decide to be brave enough and try to own, have all available options ready at hand. Definitely a more difficult specimen to care for so the best is always buy pre-qt from vendors like High-tide to make it a little easier.
Unless you are a dare-devil like myself and try to do it on your own, be super picky in choosing the specimen to limit casualties ... Granted, my dad has been in the hobby since the 80's so I have a little cheat code with all of his experience
