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Chlorurus microrhinos (Bleeker, 1854) Steephead parrots |
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Heavybeak parrotfish Isdang loro, Aliyakyak, Busalog, Ditun, Loro, Loro, Mol-mol, Mol-mol, Mol-mol, Mol-mol, Mol-mol, Molmol, Molmol, Moymoy, Mul-mul, Mul-mul, Mulmol, Semi-Tiaongan, Yapot, |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae | |||
| Max. size: | 70 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 5,400.0 g | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m | |||
| Distribution: | Pacific Ocean: Bali and the Philippines to the Line and Pitcairn islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rottnest Island, Lord Howe Island and Rapa Island (Ref. 37816). The species complex comprise of Chlorurus gibbus in the Red Sea, Chlorurus strongylocephalus in the Indian Ocean and Chlorurus microrhinos in the west-central Pacific. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Juveniles below about 8 cm are black with several horizontal white streaks. Larger ones up to about 20 cm uniformly dark, greenish brown, slowly becoming blue with age. Blue streak and patch extending behind the corner of the mouth of large males often quite brilliant. Uniformly yellowish-tan individuals rare. Caudal fin lunate in large terminal males. Scale rows on cheek 3. Median predorsal scales 3-4 (Ref. 37816). Males develop large hump on head and appear blunt-headed (Ref. 48636). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles generally solitary; large adults often school together. Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | (Ref. 96402) | |||
| Threat to humans: | reports of ciguatera poisoning | |||
| Country info: | Reported from Tubbataha Reefs as Chlorurus strongylocephalus (Ref. 53416, 57038). Also reported from Davao Gulf, Bongo Island and Paril-Sangay Protected Seascape, Moro Gulf (Ref. 106380). Also Ref. 5399, 37603, 37816, 53416. | |||
| Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 16.06.03 |
| Modified by: Valdestamon, Roxanne Rei - 17.10.14 |