Johnrandallia nigrirostris (Gill, 1862)
Blacknosed butterflyfish
Johnrandallia nigrirostris
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 40 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Panama, including the Cocos, Malpelo and Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-20. Body deep, compressed, and disk-shaped; dorsal profile of head steep and concave; snout pronounced; teeth very small and se in a comb-like band; base of pelvic spine with an axillary process; lateral line complete, extending over caudal peduncle; body yellowish; snout with a dark stain; eye bordered with black; posterior edge of operculum, base of pectoral fins, nape, and dorsal border (at base of dorsal fin) black (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Often in large schools (Ref. 5227) over coral and rocky reefs (Ref. 9286). Feed on algae, gastropods, and small crustaceans (Ref. 9286). Pick parasites from larger fishes like Paranthias colonus and Mulloides dentatus (Ref. 28023). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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