| Family: |
Kyphosidae (Sea chubs) |
| Max. size: |
75 cm NG (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine |
| Distribution: |
Pacific: Antitropical in central and western Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. This species is characterized by the following: maxilla reaching to below anterior edge of eye when mouth is fully closed; soft part of dorsal fin not as fish as spinous part (base of which is longer than softer portion); longest anal soft ray (the second) longer than longest dorsal spine; pelvic fins short, not to anus, 5.0-5.9 in SL; body color silver gray, edges of scales brown, resulting in a longitudinal linear pattern on body; a silvery stripe from front of snout to below eye, bordered below by a gray streak extending posteriorly from end of maxilla; opercular membrane dark brown to black; fins dark gray, an occasional yellow form may be seen, rarely individuals that appear to be a cross of yellow and normal-colored fish (Ref. 86689). |
| Biology: |
A common species, observed in schools on seaward reefs or rocky substrata. Stomach contents include benthic algae (Sargassum, Ulva, Zonaria, Gelidium, Amansia, Polysiphonia, Herposiphonia, Gelidiella, Griffithsia, and Hypnea. It is also known to eat the tough alga Turbinaria (Ref. 86689). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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