Bowers' Parrotfish

Chlorurus bowseri has a small, elongated, compressed body and a rounded snout. The dorsal fin of the fish is continuous, accompanied by 9 spines and 10 soft rays. The anal fin of the fish contains 3 spines followed by 9 rays. The pectoral fin of C. bowersi contains between 13 and 17 rays, and the pelvic fin contains 1 spine and 5 rays. The main scales of the fish are cycloid scales and are relatively large, while the fish also has cheek scale rows (1 to 4) as well as median predorsal scales (2 to 8). The lateral line of the fish consists of 22-24 pored scales and is interrupted. Chlorurus bowersi is a brightly colored blue-green fish with patches of orange on the head, pectoral fins, pelvic fins, and orange streaks throughout the dorsal and anal fins. The jaw of C. bowersi contains well-developed pharyngeal bones along with a dental plate on each jaw. On the dental plate, there is a beak-like structure to assist with feeding. In comparison to other members of the Labridae family, C. bowersi has a larger weight of its adductor mandible, allowing it to have a greater biting force and powerful jaw mechanics. The interspecific differences in jaw-lever mechanics and the relative weight of the adductor mandible will factor into the grazing ability of the parrotfish. The teeth of C. bowersi are protrusive-shaped rather than flat-shaped.

In Okinawa, no clear trend in the distribution of C. bowersi was observed, but it was seen in the inner and exposed reefs. In Natuna Island, C. bowersi was found around the shallower areas of reefs alongside other parrotfish species.

Chlorurus bowersi is considered to have an important role in maintaining balance within the coral reef ecosystem. The fish scrapes off algae from the surfaces of dead coral with the assistance of their beak-like dentition, preventing the growth of algae, which allows for the use of the corals by other organisms. This also plays a role in the bioerosion of coral reefs, which is important in the processing of building reef environments. C. bowersi has been observed to spawn at high tide. After spawning, C. bowersi has been observed remaining in the area and feeding near the site of spawning. Terminal Phase males are known to be territorial and to pair spawn with females. To combat this, smaller Initial Phase males perform the behavior “streaking,” characterized by a fast intrusion at the time of gamete release between a spawning pair. C. bowersi has been observed primarily participating in pair spawning but has also been observed in group spawning.

The specific name honours the former United States Commissioner of Fisheries George Meade Bowers (1863-1925).