| Family: |
Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes) |
| Max. size: |
20 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Florida, USA to Brazil. Larvae are sometimes swept northward which accounts for the sighting of juvenile specimens as far north as Massachusetts, USA during summer months. One record (one specimen, 3 cm) from Musquodoboit Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-21; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-17. Body is white with a black bar running across the head through the eye. In juveniles, a second black bar runs from the base of the soft portion of the dorsal fin to the base of the anal fin. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are either yellow or transparent (Ref. 4855). A narrow yellow bar from gill opening to pectoral base (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Inhabit shallow, coral reefs with clear water (Ref. 9626). Develop dusky bands at night. Generally common (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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