Fin's Fish Guide
The Three-banded butterflyfish (Chaetodon robustus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf.
Description
The three-banded butterflyfish is a deep, disc-shaped reef fish of the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) reaching about 15 cm. The strongly compressed, yellow-white body bears several oblique dark bands and a black band running through the eye - a false face that misleads predators about head and tail. The small, projecting snout-mouth is suited to picking small prey from rock crevices. The species lives near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf along the West African coast, often in pairs or small groups. It feeds on small invertebrates, worms and reef growth. It is one of the few butterflyfishes of the temperate eastern Atlantic coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Three-banded butterflyfish?
The Three-banded butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep-bodied, disc-shaped butterflyfish with yellowish-white oblique bands and a black eye band; small snout-like mouth for picking at prey.
Where does the Three-banded butterflyfish live?
The Three-banded butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf.
How big does the Three-banded butterflyfish get?
The Three-banded butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Three-banded butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Three-banded butterflyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Three-banded butterflyfish edible?
The Three-banded butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Three-banded butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Three-banded butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.