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Chlorurus
perspicillatus
(Steindachner, 1879)
|
| Hawaiian Name:
Uhu
Uliuli, Uhu 'ahu'ula Common Name: Spectacled Parrotfish Distribution: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands |
| Remarks: Parrotfishes are aptly named not only because their coloration is generally similar to their feathered namesake, but also because they have strong fused teeth that resemble a parrot's beak. At night, parrtofishes sleep in crevases on the reef and become enveloped in a mucous "cocoon". The purpose of the cocoon is not certain. Most of the larger parrotfishes, such as this species, are valued food fishes. |
| Photo © 1997 by Richard L. Pyle This page last revised 12 June 1997 |