Kyphosidae

Common Names

Kyphosidae are known by various common names depending on the species and region. Some of the most common names include:

• Sea chub
• Rudderfish
• Drummer fish
• Kelp bass
• Sheephead

Characteristics

Kyphosidae share several distinctive characteristics:

• Compressed body: Their bodies are laterally flattened, giving them a deep, almost disc-like appearance.
• Hump or keel: Most species have a prominent hump or keel on their dorsal profile, often located behind the head.
• Small mouth: Their mouths are relatively small and usually equipped with small, brush-like teeth.
• Large scales: Kyphosidae have large, cycloid scales that cover their bodies.
• Spines: Their dorsal and anal fins have strong spines.
• Coloration: Color patterns vary depending on the species but often involve shades of brown, gray, or olive green with dark markings or stripes.

Environment and Habitat

Kyphosidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

• Coastal waters: They are typically found along the coasts of continents and islands.
• Rocky reefs: They prefer rocky reefs, often seeking shelter in crevices or caves.
• Kelp forests: Some species are associated with kelp forests, grazing on the algae and invertebrates that live there.
• Sandy bottoms: Some species may be found on sandy bottoms or in seagrass beds.

Diet

Kyphosidae are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on algae and other plant matter. They may also consume small invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Their small mouths and brush-like teeth are well-suited for scraping and grazing on algae.

Reproduction

Kyphosidae reproduce through external fertilization. The female releases eggs into the water, which are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are typically pelagic, meaning they float in the water column, and hatch into larvae.

References

For further information on Kyphosidae, refer to the following sources:

• FishBase
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Wikipedia