| Family: |
Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes) |
| Max. size: |
20 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 60 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa (south to Port Alfred, South Africa, Ref. 5372) to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Lord Howe and Rapa islands; throughout Micronesia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-20. Description: Easily identified by the color pattern of yellow, white and black. Caudal fin is transparent. Juveniles are virtually identical to adults in coloration (Ref. 48636). Snout length 2.2-2.7 in HL. Body depth 1.4-1.6 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Occur in small groups in reef flats, clear lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 48636). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feed on soft and hard corals, also on polychaetes, small crustaceans, and filamentous algae. In Indonesia, usually seen at moderate depths, usually swimming in small groups. Adults are mainly in depth 20-60 m (Ref. 48636). Oviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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