51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Steephead Parrotfish Chlorurus microrhinos occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean from Bali and the Philippines to the Line and Pitcairn Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rottnest Island, Lord Howe Island and Rapa Island. The species complex comprise of Chlorurus gibbus in the Red Sea, Chlorurus strongylocephalus in the Indian Ocean and Chlorurus microrhinos in the West-central Pacific. Chlorurus microrhinos has a depth range from 0 to 50m, usually from 1 to 15m, max. length 70cm, common 49cm. Males like this specimen develop large hump on head and appear blunt-headed. The species occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles are generally solitary, large adults often school together. Chlorurus microrhinos feeds on benthic algae. There is distinct pairing during breeding. Tiputa Passage of Rangiroa Atoll, Tuamoto Archipelago, French Polynesia 14°58'12.44 S 147°37'35.094 W at 7m depth