Filament-finned parrotfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Filament-finned parrotfish |
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The filament-finned parrotfish is a colorful fish found in the ocean. It is also known as the high-fin parrotfish or mini-fin parrotfish. Its scientific name is Scarus altipinnis. This amazing fish belongs to the parrotfish family. It lives in the warm, tropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean.
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What Does This Fish Look Like?
The filament-finned parrotfish is quite special! Male fish in their final stage of growth have a slightly longer middle ray in their dorsal fin (the fin on their back). These males are green near their tail. They also have two blue-green stripes on their chin. You can see similar colored spots and lines around their eyes. Their tails are shaped like a crescent moon. The middle part of their tail has slightly longer filaments.
Female fish, in their early stage, are brownish. They have many small white spots scattered on their bodies. Young fish, called juveniles, are striped or mottled. They often have a bright yellow head. This fish can grow up to about 60 centimeters (24 inches) long.
Where Do Filament-Finned Parrotfish Live?
You can find the filament-finned parrotfish in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. They live from the Ryukyu Islands in the north. Their home extends south to Lord Howe Island. They are also found throughout Micronesia. You can even spot them near the Line Islands and Ducie Island.
How Do They Live?
Filament-finned parrotfish often swim in large groups. Adult fish usually live along the edges of coral reefs. These are reefs that face the open ocean. Younger fish, called juveniles and subadults, prefer shallow, protected reefs.
This species eats algae (seaweed) by grazing on it. They can be found at depths between 1 and 50 meters (3 to 164 feet). Adult and subadult fish are very social. However, the younger fish usually swim alone. These fish lay eggs to reproduce. The male and female fish form pairs when they are ready to spawn (lay eggs).
Why Are These Fish Important to Humans?
People catch the filament-finned parrotfish for food. This is especially true in Micronesia, where they are caught for sale. In other places, they are fished on a smaller scale.
What Threats Do They Face?
The biggest danger to the filament-finned parrotfish is commercial fishing. This is when many fish are caught to be sold. It is a big problem, especially in Micronesia. Another threat is the destruction of their habitat (the places where they live).
How Did This Fish Get Its Name?
The Scarus altipinnis was first officially described in 1879. It was named Pseudoscarus altipinnis back then. The scientist who named it was Franz Steindachner. He was an Austrian ichthyologist (a scientist who studies fish). He found this fish in the Gilbert Islands.
