Chlorurus spilurus
| Chlorurus spilurus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Labriformes |
| Family: | Scaridae |
| Genus: | Chlorurus |
| Species: | C. spilurus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chlorurus spilurus (Valenciennes, 1840)
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Scarus spilurus Valenciennes, 1840 | |
Chlorurus spilurus, known commonly as the Pacific daisy parrotfish or Pacific bullethead parrotfish and in Hawaiian called uhu, is a species of marine fish in the family Scaridae.[3] The Pacific daisy parrotfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Pacific.
Description[edit]
The initial phase fish, which can be female or male, have a white beak, an overall dark reddish coloration with a white caudal peduncle and fin with a black patch.[3] There is great variation in the coloration among the terminal males of this species. Their body is greenish with big scales outlined with purple-blue lines, three purple-blue stripes around the mouth, and an orange and a white patch on the cheek.[3]
Taxonomy[edit]
Chlorurus spilurus was once synonymized with Chlorurus sordidus, but recent study indicates that C. spilurus is distinct from Forsskal's species.[4][5] This species has hybridized with Chlorurus perspicillatus.[6]
Distribution[edit]
Chlorurus spilurus can be found in the Western and Central Pacific, from Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn Island.[3]
Habitat[edit]
These parrotfish are found in diverse coral reefs and lagoons.
Diet[edit]
These parrotfish have strong beaks that are designed to easily break off chunks of coral to feed on coral polyps and algae growing on the coral.[7][3]
Cultural significance[edit]
The pacific bullethead parrotfish was, and still is a favorite amongst fishermen for meals. They were usually eaten raw, but also were boiled on occasion. The Uhu also has a prominent space in Hawaiian culture and folklore, particularly in the story of Puniakaia, where a supernatural parrotfish is said to be the parent of all fish species. In the end, two heroes named Kawelo and Makuakeke killed the fish named Uhumaka'ika'i.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ Choat, J.H.; Carpenter, K.E.; Clements, K.D.; Rocha, L.A.; Russell, B.; Myers, R.; Lazuardi, M.E.; Muljadi, A.; Pardede, S.; Rahardjo, P. (2012). "Chlorurus spilurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T190727A17783061. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T190727A17783061.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2019). "Chlorurus spilurus" in FishBase. August 2019 version.
- ^ a b c d e Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. John P. Hoover. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN 978-1-56647-887-8. OCLC 243960518.
- ^ Randall, J.E., 2007. Reef and shore fishes of the Hawaiian Islands. Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu. i-xivb + 1-546.
- ^ Parenti, P. and J.E. Randall, 2011. Checklist of the species of the families Labridae and Scaridae: an update. Smithian Bull. 13:29-44.
- ^ Choat, J.H.; Carpenter, K.E.; Clements, K.D.; et al. (2012). "Chlorurus perspicillatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T190718A17794587. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T190718A17794587.en. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
- ^ a b Titcomb, Margaret (1972). Native Use of Fish in Hawaii. [2d ed.] Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii. ISBN 0-8248-0592-5.
External links[edit]
- Photos of Chlorurus spilurus on Sealife Collection
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