Help
A couple of weeks ago i was very lucky and able to get my mits on a Declivis butterfly AND a Marcellae butterfly! They are quite rare in the trade and most go to other countries around the world.The Declivis is a pacific species mostly from the Marquesas and Line islands and is normaly a deep water fish although it can be found as shallow as 20 meters or so.It is a very close relative to the Tinkers butterfly,if not the same species!The Marcellae is found off the coast of Africa in the eastern atlantic ocean.It is often found in deep water over 30 meters deep where the temperature is often below 20c,even as low as 16c.These fish however are believed to have been collected shallower in waters of around 25c and this is my target temperature now for my system due to these species,and another i have in mind
They are both small fish with the Declivis being 2.5 inches and the Marcellae just 2 inches!
To be honest i had been looking for a nice Declivis for a while.I really wanted a small one and couldnt believe my luck when i saw this guy! I had seen pictures of the Marcellae on American and Japanese forums but never thought i would see one,although Mark had said a few had come into the country in the past.As luck would have it we found both at the same time!
These fish are a good bet as far as reef safe goes.I had removed all lps corals apart from fungia's due to my regal angels expensive taste so this was perfect timing! They are normaly kept with sps with few problems although they may pick a little.So far they have been good as gold and only pick at the live rock.I must say i wouldnt want to be a fan worm though!
Anyway,enough jabba,here are some pic's!
Im so chuffed to have these fish.Thanks Mark!
I will try and get some pics of them now they are looking the part.
