Chaetodon nippon Steindachner & Döderlein, 1883
Japanese butterflyfish
Japanese butterflyfish,  Paru-paro,  Alibang-bang,  Alibangbang,  Kapiged
Chaetodon nippon
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan and Korea to the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-16. Description: Head grey, body yellow or brassy at middle, anteriormost and posteriormost part of body, caudal peduncle, and dorsal and anal fins brownish, caudal fin yellow. Snout length 2.8-3.6 in HL. Body depth 1.6-1.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in shallow rocky reefs. Spawning occurs in groups at sunset when water temperature is 23°C (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Bantayan Island (type locality of C. carens) (Ref. 27943). Also Ref. 4855, 9137, 43239, 53416, 121724.


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