Chlorurus spilurus
# Chlorurus spilurus

Chlorurus spilurus, known commonly as the Pacific daisy parrotfish or Pacific bullethead parrotfish and in Hawaiian called uhu, is a species of marine fish in the family Scaridae. The Pacific daisy parrotfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Pacific.

## Description

The initial phase fish, which can be female or male, have a white beak, an overall dark reddish coloration with a white caudal peduncle and fin with a black patch. There is great variation in the coloration among the terminal males of this species. Their body is greenish with big scales outlined with purple-blue lines, three purple-blue stripes around the mouth, and an orange and a white patch on the cheek.

## Taxonomy

Chlorurus spilurus was once synonymized with Chlorurus sordidus, but recent study indicates that C. spilurus is distinct from Forsskal's species. This species has hybridized with Chlorurus perspicillatus.

## Distribution

Chlorurus spilurus can be found in the Western and Central Pacific, from Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn Island.

## Habitat

These parrotfish are found in diverse coral reefs and lagoons.

## Diet

These parrotfish have strong beaks that are designed to easily break off chunks of coral to feed on coral polyps and algae growing on the coral.

## Cultural significance

The pacific bullethead parrotfish was, and still is a favorite amongst fishermen for meals. They were usually eaten raw, but also were boiled on occasion. The Uhu also has a prominent space in Hawaiian culture and folklore, particularly in the story of Puniakaia, where a supernatural parrotfish is said to be the parent of all fish species. In the end, two heroes named Kawelo and Makuakeke killed the fish named Uhumaka'ika'i.

