Chaetodon pelewensis Kner, 1868
Sunset butterflyfish
photo by Asman, P.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  12.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Australia to Fiji, Samoa, Tuamoto Archipelago and the Society Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-18. Description: Body is pale tan with oblique rows of black spots, becoming solid bands on the upper half of the body. A dark-edged orange bar runs vertically on the head through the eye. Orange caudal peduncle (Ref. 48636). Snout length 2.7-3.1 in HL. Body depth 1.6-1.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Feed mainly on coral polyps and small benthic invertebrates (Ref. 2334, 48636). Oviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Adults usually paired during breeding (Ref. 9710), but juveniles solitary (Ref. 48636). Can adapt easily to tank life and willingly accept nearly all kinds of food offered.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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