Three Banded Butterflyfish

Chaetodon robustus

Identification	White to pale body with three broad, dark vertical bands — one through the eye, one across the body, and one at the base of the tail. A clean, classic butterflyfish pattern.
Maximum Length	Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
Origin	Eastern Atlantic — West Africa, from Senegal to Angola
Minimum Tank Size	75 gallons
Reef Compatible	Not recommended — feeds on coral polyps

Behavior

An Atlantic butterflyfish from the West African coast, rarely seen in the hobby. Like most butterflies, it naturally feeds on coral polyps and is not reef safe. Hardy once established and peaceful toward unrelated fish.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore/corallivore. Naturally feeds on coral polyps. Captive diet must include meaty foods: frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and chopped clam. Some specimens require live foods to begin eating.

Cautions

Not reef safe. May be difficult to feed in captivity. Requires pristine water quality and a stress-free environment.