Chlorurus spilurus
Species of ray-finned fishes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chlorurus spilurus, commonly known 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.
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| Chlorurus spilurus | |
|---|---|
| |
 | |
| Male (top) and female (bottom) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Labriformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Chlorurus |
| Species: | C. spilurus |
| Binomial name | |
| Chlorurus spilurus (Valenciennes, 1840) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Scarus spilurus Valenciennes, 1840 | |
Taxonomy
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
Chlorurus spilurus can be found in the Western and Central Pacific, from Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn Island.[3]
Description
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]
Habitat
These parrotfish are found in diverse coral reefs and lagoons.
Diet
Cultural significance
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]
