Chrysiptera rapanui (Greenfield & Hensley, 1970)
Easter damselfish
Kermadec damselfish
Chrysiptera rapanui
photo by Rica, J.I./Neveu, E.M.

Family:  Pomacentridae (Damselfishes), subfamily: Pomacentrinae
Max. size:  5.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 38 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Kermadec Islands. Southeast Pacific: Easter Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 14-16
Biology:  Ubiquitous at Easter Island. Juveniles occur in surge pools, and both adults and juveniles found in coral and rocky reefs. They occur solitarily or in aggregations of about 10 to 30 individuals, frequently near the coral Porites (Ref. 7247). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate (Ref. 205). Males guard and aerate the eggs (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 August 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from the Kermadec Is. (Ref. 7247, 8879, 45524) and Cave Bay, Poor Knights Island (Ref. 35942). Voucher specimen(s) held at the NMNZ. Also Ref. 89926.


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