The Hawaiian Chub, scientifically known as Kyphosus hawaiiensis, is a species of fish belonging to the family Kyphosidae. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 41.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
Kyphosus hawaiiensis is characterized by its streamlined body shape, a relatively deep, compressed body, and a slightly rounded snout. Its dorsal fin is continuous and has a slight hump in the middle, while the anal fin is slightly elongated and runs along the length of the abdomen. This species exhibits a distinctive color pattern with a bronze-brown to olive-green back that fades to a lighter, silvery-white color on its belly. It often has faint dark bands running along its flanks.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Hawaiian Chub, Kyphosus hawaiiensis, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found in both coastal and offshore waters. It typically inhabits rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, preferring depths ranging from the shallow intertidal zone to around 100 meters. This makes it a common sight in the neritic zone, the marine environment extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Kyphosus hawaiiensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Kyphosidae. This family is commonly known as the “Sea Chubs” and includes a diverse range of fish species known for their herbivorous diets.
Feeding
The Hawaiian Chub, Kyphosus hawaiiensis, is an herbivore, predominantly feeding on algae and aquatic plants. It can be observed grazing on seaweed, seagrass, and other benthic vegetation found in its habitat. Its strong teeth are well-adapted for scraping and tearing algae from rocky surfaces.
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