| Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes) |
| 18 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m |
| Southeast Atlantic: Known only from the Ascension and St. Helena Islands (Ref. 4855). Recorded from Canary Is. from 2 individuals most likely introduced (Ref. 52678). |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-19 |
| Common in shallow waters. Usually observed in pairs or large groups. Oviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). Called a cunning fish since it can nibble the bait from a hook without taking the hook into its mouth. The juvenile Thalassoma sanctaehelenae has been observed cleaning the cunningfish of its parasites (Ref. 5288). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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