Chaetodon litus Randall & Caldwell, 1973
Easter Island butterflyfish
Chaetodon litus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  15.5 cm NG (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 25 m
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: endemic to Easter Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-20
Biology:  Found in algal covered rocky reefs. Juveniles in tide pools, observed to pick bodies of other fishes for parasites (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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