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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Easter Island butterflyfish

Chaetodon litus Randall & Caldwell, 1973
Max Length
-
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
1–25 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Found in algal covered rocky reefs. Juveniles in tide pools, observed to pick bodies of other fishes for parasites . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .

Scientific Name
Chaetodon litus
Authority
Randall & Caldwell, 1973
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
LC
Depth Range
1–25 m
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 25; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19 - 20. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Easter Island butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Easter Island butterflyfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Form pairs during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 25 m . Subtropical Southeast Pacific: endemic to Easter Island.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.3±0.6

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02291 × L3 (TL)
Dorsal Spines
13
Dorsal Rays
24
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
20

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
19.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Randall & Caldwell, 1973

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Chaetodon Litus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 19.5 g
Omega-3 (total) 183 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Easter Island butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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