Rudderfishes (Kyphosidae)
Rudderfishes
Selection
Catch fish using nets, spear, hook and line, or traps. Be mindful of ciguatera toxin and check the news for a possible outbreak in the area.
Storage
Keep fish chilled in a cooler or refrigerator. Can be frozen for longer storage.
Preparation
- Wash fish well before use.
- Remove the guts with a knife.
Photo Source
Fishes of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
Rudderfishes
Rudderfishes have relatively deep, compressed bodies, a small head, and small scales that are rough in texture (Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, Guam Department of Agriculture; Myers, 1999).
1. Highfin rudderfish (Kyphosus cinerascens)
Also known as a highfin chub, it has soft top and back fin rays that are noticeably longer than the spines. Can be found in groups around exposed outer reef flats, lagoon reefs, and seaward reefs with plenty of algae.
2. Lowfin rudderfish (Kyphosus vaigiensis)
Also known as the brassy chub, it is very similar to the highfin rudderfish.
Traditional Names
- Chamorro – guili; guilen puengi
- Hawaiian – nenue
- Marshallese – bejrok 1
- Palauan – komud; beab
- Pohnpeian – keriker; kertakai 1; kerlel 2
- Samoan – mata-mutu 1; mutumutu 1; nanue 1
- Yapese – reeli