Threebanded Butterflyfish
Chaetodon humeralis
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–76°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Threebanded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis) is a deep-bodied butterflyfish with bold dark bands over a pale base color, commonly seen in nearshore rocky reef areas of the eastern Pacific. In a fish-only or FOWLR setup, its pattern stays easy to spot even at a distance while it cruises open water and rock edges.
What You’ll Observe:
- Daytime, steady swimming with frequent “inspection laps” along rockwork
- Short, repeated pecks at surfaces as it forages between feedings
- Quick turns and stops, often circling the same section of the tank during the day
- An evening routine where it picks a preferred sleeping spot in the rockwork
To help it settle in, provide open swimming room with rock structure that creates calm pockets and shaded breaks. Offer a varied mix of meaty frozen foods plus algae-based options, and feed in smaller portions more than once per day so it can browse naturally.
Will this fish use the same sleeping spot every night?
Many keepers notice butterflyfish choose a consistent “bedroom” area in the rockwork once they’re comfortable.
How do I get it taking prepared foods quickly?
A mix of small frozen items (like mysis-sized foods) offered at consistent times tends to get the fastest response, then pellets can be added once it’s eating actively.
Is constant pecking a sign it’s starving?
Often it’s normal browsing behavior—many butterflyfish continue to graze and “hunt” between scheduled feedings.
Can it be kept as a pair?
Some aquarists aim for pairs, but the most consistent results come from adding both fish at the same time to a large, established aquarium.
Why does it ignore food for a bit right after introduction?
It’s common for new arrivals to spend more time exploring and selecting a comfort zone first; regular, predictable feeding usually brings them out.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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