Bandit Butterfly

Description

Chaetodon humeralis has a robust, laterally compressed body with a prominent black “bandit mask” running across the eyes, extending to the dorsal fin. The body is primarily white with a grayish to silvery posterior, accented with yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.

Adults reach a maximum size of 12–15 cm (5–6 inches) and exhibit calm, deliberate swimming patterns, often hovering near rock formations or coral patches while foraging.

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 abundant live rock, crevices, and open swimming areas. Moderate water flow ensures proper oxygenation. Fragile corals should be carefully monitored, as the Bandit Butterflyfish may occasionally pick at soft corals or sessile invertebrates.

Diet and Feeding

Chaetodon humeralis is omnivorous with a tendency toward small benthic invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, a varied diet is essential to maintain health, growth, and vibrant coloration.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• High-quality marine carnivore flakes or pellets

• Sponge-based preparations or specialized butterflyfish diets

• Occasional live foods like copepods or amphipods

Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions, targeting food near rockwork and coral structures to simulate natural foraging behavior.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Bandit Butterflyfish is peaceful yet somewhat territorial toward conspecifics or similar species. It is best kept singly or in a mated pair within sufficiently large tanks.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, tangs, and small wrasses

• Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp, snails, and crabs

Avoid:

• Aggressive or highly active species that compete for food

• Housing multiple Bandit Butterflyfish in small tanks

Reef Compatibility

⚠️ Moderately Reef Safe

While generally non-aggressive, Chaetodon humeralis may nip at some soft corals or sessile invertebrates. Best suited for FOWLR systems or mature reef aquariums with hardy corals that can withstand occasional grazing.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity
Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires varied diet, stable water parameters, and mature aquarium)
Natural Behaviour: Rocky reef forager, midwater hoverer, cautious grazer
Origin: Eastern Atlantic – West Africa, Cape Verde, Senegal
Colouration: White to silvery body, black “bandit” eye stripe, yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins

Summary

The Bandit Butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis) is a moderately peaceful, medium-sized species notable for its striking mask and vibrant fin coloration. Ideal for advanced aquarists, it thrives in mature aquariums with abundant live rock, open swimming space, and a varied diet. Its calm swimming, unique coloration, and foraging behavior make it a captivating addition to eastern Atlantic or mixed-species marine displays.