Chaetodon semeion Bleeker, 1855
Dotted butterflyfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Maldives to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-26; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-22. The abdominal region of females is noticeably thick set. Body is golden yellow; base of the posterior portions of the dorsal and anal fins black; a prominent vertical black bar running across the eye; diagonal rows of black dots on the sides. A filament originating from the soft portions of the dorsal fin rays trails posteriorly (Ref. 4855). Snout length 2.4-2.9 in HL. Body depth 1.6-1.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Uncommon species (Ref. 9710) found in coral rich areas of clear water lagoon and semi-protected seaward reefs. Usually in pairs or small groups, more wary than most species. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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