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Chaetodon sanctaehelenae Günther, 1868 Saint Helena butterflyfish |
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photo by
Wirtz, P. |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 18 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m | |||
| Distribution: | 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). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-19 | |||
| Biology: | 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). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||