Photo. (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
Photo. (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
Photo. (c) 2022 BSS/MCSS.
Scientific Name: Chaetodon guttatissimus
English Name: Peppered butterflyfish
Creole Name: Papiyon
French Name: Papillon moucheté
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 12-13; Dorsal rays: 22-24; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 16-18.
A silvery white butterflyfish with irregular vertical rows of dusky spots on the upper flanks, and fewer spots on the lower flanks forming less distinct horizontal
rows. A narrow dark bar through the eye. Posterior dorsal fin and upper caudal peduncle orange. A black submarginal band on caudal fin.
Size:
Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 12.0 cm TL
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits coral reefs of lagoons and seaward reef slopes (depth 1-45m, usually 3-30 m). Occurs singly, in pairs or small groups. Feeds on coral polyps, plychates and algae.
Oviparous. Form pairs during breeding.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It may be occasionally subject to net and trap fishing, but would typically be released.
Notes:
Photo. Courtesy and (c) 2021 GVI/SPGA.
Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
References:
Bray, D.J. & Thompson, A.S. (2020). Chaetodon guttatissimus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4832 (27/06/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Chaetodon-guttatissimus.html (27/06/22).
Pyle, R. et al. (2010). Chaetodon guttatissimus. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165619A6069598.en. (27/06/22).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Chaetodon guttatissimus, Peppered butterflyfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/chaetodon-guttatissimus-bennett-1833/