Threebanded Butterflyfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Redondo Beach in California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. Found on rocky and sandy shores down to 50 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Chaetodontidae. Features a deep, circular, and highly compressed body. The specific name refers to the prominent shoulder-like band.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, active, and curious species. Found singly or in mated pairs. Shows bold behavior in aquariums and is a popular control agent for marine pests.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-white body with thin dark diagonal lines forming a chevron pattern. Marked by three broad vertical black bands on the head and sides.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a large marine aquarium of at least 400 liters with plenty of live rock to provide hiding spots and natural grazing surfaces.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates, algae, and coral polyps. Accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and marine algae.

Water Quality: Standard marine parameters: temperature 20-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025 with efficient filtration and moderate water movement.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Highly peaceful. Not reef safe as it nips at stony corals. Best kept with quiet, non-aggressive species in a large setup.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawning in home aquariums is undocumented. Pelagic spawner. Eggs and larvae drift in the ocean column before settling onto reefs.

Risks and Diseases: Once acclimated, it is relatively hardy. Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and stress. Ensure the aquarium is fully cycled.