Bandit Butterfly
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Bandit Butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis)
Overview
The Bandit Butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis) is a visually striking species native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the coast of West Africa, including Cape Verde and Senegal. Named for its characteristic dark “mask” across the eyes, this species displays bold black, white, and yellow coloration and is prized by marine aquarists for its distinctive appearance and graceful swimming.
Primarily found on rocky reefs and coastal coral zones, the Bandit Butterflyfish is moderately peaceful but requires careful feeding due to its specialized diet in the wild.
Description
Chaetodon humeralis has a robust, laterally compressed body with a prominent black “bandit mask” running across the eyes, extending to the dorsal fin. The body is primarily white with a grayish to silvery posterior, accented with yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
Adults reach a maximum size of 12–15 cm (5–6 inches) and exhibit calm, deliberate swimming patterns, often hovering near rock formations or coral patches while foraging.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 300–450 litres (80–120 US gallons)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 10 ppm
Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a mature aquarium with abundant live rock, crevices, and open swimming areas. Moderate water flow ensures proper oxygenation. Fragile corals should be carefully monitored, as the Bandit Butterflyfish may occasionally pick at soft corals or sessile invertebrates.
Diet and Feeding
Chaetodon humeralis is omnivorous with a tendency toward small benthic invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, a varied diet is essential to maintain health, growth, and vibrant coloration.
Recommended Foods:
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Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood
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High-quality marine carnivore flakes or pellets
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Sponge-based preparations or specialized butterflyfish diets
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Occasional live foods like copepods or amphipods
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions, targeting food near rockwork and coral structures to simulate natural foraging behavior.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Bandit Butterflyfish is peaceful yet somewhat territorial toward conspecifics or similar species. It is best kept singly or in a mated pair within sufficiently large tanks.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, tangs, and small wrasses
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Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp, snails, and crabs
Avoid:
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Aggressive or highly active species that compete for food
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Housing multiple Bandit Butterflyfish in small tanks
Reef Compatibility
⚠️ Moderately Reef Safe
While generally non-aggressive, Chaetodon humeralis may nip at some soft corals or sessile invertebrates. Best suited for FOWLR systems or mature reef aquariums with hardy corals that can withstand occasional grazing.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity
Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires varied diet, stable water parameters, and mature aquarium)
Natural Behaviour: Rocky reef forager, midwater hoverer, cautious grazer
Origin: Eastern Atlantic – West Africa, Cape Verde, Senegal
Colouration: White to silvery body, black “bandit” eye stripe, yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins
Summary
The Bandit Butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis) is a moderately peaceful, medium-sized species notable for its striking mask and vibrant fin coloration. Ideal for advanced aquarists, it thrives in mature aquariums with abundant live rock, open swimming space, and a varied diet. Its calm swimming, unique coloration, and foraging behavior make it a captivating addition to eastern Atlantic or mixed-species marine displays.
| SKU | Bandit Butterfly |
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