Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Perciformes (Perch-likes) >
Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Etymology: Chaetodon: Greek, chaite = hair + Greek, odous = teeth (Ref. 45335). More on author: Cuvier.
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 171 m (Ref. 1602). Tropical; 30°N - 28°S
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5372); max. reported age: 10 years (Ref. 72479)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 12;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 24-27;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 19 - 22. The dorsal caudal and anal fins are bright yellow. Body color is white with a black elliptical marking along the edge of the posterior portion of the back extending across the caudal peduncle to the base of the posterior anal fin rays. A series of thin vertical black lines run across the sides, and a prominent vertical black band runs across the eye.
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island. Throughout Micronesia.
Occur in lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in pairs in coral rich areas (Ref. 1602). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feed mainly on coral polyps and anemones, but also on small invertebrates and algae (Ref. 1602). Largest species in the genus (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
Steene, R.C., 1978. Butterfly and angelfishes of the world. A.H. & A.W. Reed Pty Ltd., Australia. vol. 1. 144 p.
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 90363)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
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Estimates of some properties based on empirical models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82805): PD
50 = 0.5000 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.02283 (-0.08771 - 0.13336), b=2.94 (2.87 - 3.02), based on LWR estimates for species & genus-BS (Ref.
93245).
Trophic Level (Ref.
69278): 3.3 ±0.6 se; Based on diet studies.
Resilience (Ref.
69278): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.).
Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Low vulnerability (23 of 100) .