Robustus Butterfly
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Robustus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon robustus)
Overview
The Robustus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon robustus) is a striking and relatively rare species native to the West African coast, particularly around the Cape Verde Islands and nearby Atlantic regions. Known for its bold black, white, and yellow coloration and relatively stout body, it is admired by advanced aquarists for its unique appearance and specialized care requirements.
Unlike many Indo-Pacific butterflyfish, this species inhabits rocky reefs and coastal environments, often near coral patches and abundant invertebrate life. Its distinctive pattern and peaceful temperament make it a standout in large marine aquariums.
Description
Chaetodon robustus has a robust, laterally compressed body with a characteristic pattern of black and white vertical bands, accented with yellow on the dorsal and caudal fins. A prominent black eye stripe helps reduce glare and offers camouflage against predators.
Adults reach a maximum size of 15 cm (6 inches), making them medium-sized butterflyfish that require ample swimming space. Their body shape is slightly thicker and more rounded than many other Chaetodon species, giving them a “robust” appearance.
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 plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. Open swimming areas combined with rock crevices mimic its natural rocky reef habitat. Moderate water flow and excellent water quality are essential for maintaining health and coloration.
Diet and Feeding
Chaetodon robustus is omnivorous with a preference for small benthic invertebrates, sponges, and algae in the wild. In captivity, it adapts to frozen, prepared, and live foods, though a varied diet is crucial to maintain health.
Recommended Foods:
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Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood
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Sponge- or coral-based preparations designed for butterflyfish
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High-quality marine carnivore flakes and pellets
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Occasional live foods such as copepods or amphipods
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions, ensuring that food reaches the fish near rockwork or crevices where it naturally grazes.
Temperament and Compatibility
The Robustus Butterflyfish is peaceful but can be territorial toward conspecifics or similar butterflyfish species. It is best kept singly or in pairs in sufficiently large tanks.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, tangs, and anthias
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Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp, snails, and crabs
Avoid:
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Aggressive or fast-feeding fish that may outcompete it for food
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Housing multiple Robustus Butterflyfish in small tanks
Reef Compatibility
⚠️ Moderately Reef Safe
While generally non-aggressive, Chaetodon robustus may nip at some soft or stony corals. Suitable for FOWLR systems or mature reef tanks with hardy corals that can tolerate occasional grazing.
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 15 cm (6 inches)
Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Advanced (requires varied diet, stable water parameters, and mature aquarium)
Natural Behaviour: Rocky reef forager, cautious midwater swimmer, substrate grazers
Origin: Eastern Atlantic – West African coast, Cape Verde Islands
Colouration: Black and white vertical bands, yellow dorsal and caudal fins, black eye stripe
Summary
The Robustus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon robustus) is a visually striking, medium-sized species with bold coloration and a peaceful temperament. Ideal for advanced hobbyists, it thrives in mature aquariums with ample live rock, open swimming areas, and a varied diet. Its rocky reef foraging behavior, elegant swimming, and unique appearance make it a captivating addition to Atlantic or mixed-species marine aquariums.
| SKU | Robustus Butterfly |
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