AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Chaetodon humeralis
Three-banded Butterflyfish
Günther, 1860
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A deep-bodied, compressed fish featuring three distinct vertical dark bands on a yellowish-silver background. It has a small, pointed snout adapted for picking small organisms.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Perciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Chaetodontidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Chaetodon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Günther, 1860
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Summer
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Commonly found in rocky reefs and coral-rich areas of the Eastern Pacific, often staying close to the substrate in protected areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal predator of small invertebrates and algae. Often seen moving slowly over the reef surface.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally observed in pairs or small groups.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic picker/omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivorous; feeds on polychaetes, small crustaceans, and algae.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Pelagic spawner; eggs are released into the open water.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 15.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
20 g - 150 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2000 - 10000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
--
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The pointed snout allows the fish to reach into narrow crevices and reef holes to feed on small invertebrates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Subject to habitat loss due to coral bleaching and pollution; potential interest in the aquarium trade.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like many butterflyfish, they are often found in monogamous pairs, which suggests strong social bonds.