Hipposcarus harid (Forsskål, 1775)

Nomenclature and Classification

Hipposcarus harid, commonly called the Longnose parrotfish or Candelamoa parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned parrotfish belonging to the family Scaridae.

Habitat Distribution

This species is found on coral reefs of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Its specific distribution range covers the western Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea south to the Mozambique Channel.

Extended Distribution Range

It is also present in locations including Madagascar, the Seychelles, and extends east to Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Chagos Islands.

Habitat Preference

Hipposcarus harid lives in coastal regions, and is associated with coral reefs and reef flats.

Social Structure

This species forms harems made up of one terminal phase (male) individual and multiple initial phase individuals. It also gathers into large schools to forage.

Reproductive Biology

H. harid is a protogynous hermaphrodite with two distinct life phases: an initial phase that includes both females and primary males (males that were born male), and a terminal phase made up of secondary males that have transformed from females. It is an oviparous species, where males and females form pairs for mating.

Diet

It feeds on benthic algae.