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Chlorurus spilurus

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Chlorurus spilurus
Scientific classification Edit this 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

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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

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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

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Chlorurus spilurus can be found in the Western and Central Pacific, from Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn Island.[3]

Habitat

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These parrotfish are found in diverse coral reefs and lagoons.

Diet

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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

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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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Chlorurus spilurus". FishBase. August 2019 version.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ Parenti, P. and J.E. Randall, 2011. Checklist of the species of the families Labridae and Scaridae: an update. Smithian Bull. 13:29-44.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ a b Titcomb, Margaret (1972). Native Use of Fish in Hawaii. [2d ed.] Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii. ISBN 0-8248-0592-5.
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