Saint Helena butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults are common in shallow waters. Usually observed in pairs or large groups. Oviparous , monogamous . Form pairs during breeding . 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 .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 23; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Saint Helena butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 50 m , usually 0 - 15 m . Tropical Southeast Atlantic: Known only from the Ascension and St.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cunningfish is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Saint Helena butterflyfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Saint Helena butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Cunningfish · Saint Helena butterflyfish · St. Helena Butterflyfish |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaetodon sanctae helenae | Günther | 1868 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon sanctaehelena | Günther | 1868 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon sanctaehelena uniformis | Ahl | 1923 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon sanctaehelenae uniformis | Ahl | 1923 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Saint Helena butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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