Belted wrasse
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Labriformes
Family: Labridae
Genus: Stethojulis
Species:
S. balteata
Binomial name
Stethojulis balteata
(Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Synonyms[1]
  • Hinalea axillaris (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
  • Hinalea balteata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
  • Julis axillaris Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
  • Julis balteatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
  • Stethojulis axillaris (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

The belted wrasse (Stethojulis balteata) is a species of wrasse in the family Labridae, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.[2] It was originally named Stethojulis axillaris by Quoy and Gaimard in 1824. In Hawaiian, this species is known as ʻOmaka,[3] although it may also be referred to as hīnālea or alea, for wrasse.[4]

Description

The species can easily be identified by its bright colors and distinct pattern. It is a light green color, with blue lines running parallel across its body and an orange spiny dorsal fin. It also has a thicker, orange stripe that runs in between the blue lines, from the pectoral fin to the tail.[5] As most reef fish, the Belted Wrasse is relatively small, reaching 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length in full maturity.[6] Wrasses are also sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex during their lifespan.[7]

Distribution and habitat

The belted wrasse is native to the Hawaiian Islands, but can also found in the reefs of the Johnston Atoll,[5] 825 miles from Honolulu. This species typically inhabits shallow reefs, although it can be seen in outer reefs up to 50 feet (15 meters) deep.[6] Belted Wrasses are benthopelagic,[8] meaning they live at the bottom of the sea, near corals and algae beds.[5] The ʻOmaka buries itself in sand at night, which is a common pattern seen across Wrasses. They feed on small invertebrates such as bivalves, polychaetes, sipuncula, and gastropods. They may also ingest organic waste from dead crustaceans and fish.[5]

Human use and cultural significance

Although this species may be kept in aquariums, it is highly advised not to. Wrasses are skittery by nature, and they can jump out of an aquarium if left uncovered.[2] The ʻOmaka is not considered a food source, but it may have been for Hawaiians before the arrival of missionaries. Native Hawaiians would typically catch hīnālea by submerging sticks covered in charred oil, which would attract the fish making them easy to catch. This practice was known as melomelo. Another technique they used was known as hinaʻi hoʻoluʻuluʻu. These were baskets made out of ʻāwikiwiki, a native plant, designed to trap fish.[4] Hīnālea were also commonly used as offerings to the gods in ceremonies, although it is not for certain that the ʻomaka was used for this practice.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Froese, R. and D. Pauly. (2021). "Stethojulis balteata". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  2. 1 2 "Belted Wrasse". Living Reefs. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  3. ↑ "Wrasse family - Fishes of Kalaupapa National Historical Park". www.botany.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  4. 1 2 3 "Reef fish are living connections to Hawaii's culture and past". mauinews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-10.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Randall, John E. (1974). "Stethojulis axillaris, a Junior Synonym of the Hawaiian Labrid Fish Stethojulis balteata, with a Key to the Species of the Genus" (PDF). Pacific Science. 28.
  6. 1 2 "Belted Wrasse - Stethojulis balteata - Wrasses - - Hawaii Reefs". reefguide.org. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
  7. ↑ "18.1 How Animals Reproduce - Concepts of Biology | OpenStax". openstax.org. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  8. ↑ "Stethojulis balteata, Belted wrasse : aquarium". www.fishbase.se. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
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