rudderfish

Rudderfish are a group of perciform fish belonging to the family Kyphosidae. This family includes several genera, such as Kyphosus, Sectator, and Hermosita. They are commonly found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, often inhabiting rocky reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass beds.

These fish are generally characterized by their deep, laterally compressed bodies, small mouths with incisors, and a forked tail fin. Their coloration can vary, but many species are olive-green, gray, or brownish, often with distinct stripes or spots. Rudderfish are typically omnivorous, feeding on algae, seagrass, and small invertebrates. Their diet contributes to their ecological role in maintaining the health of reef ecosystems by grazing on excessive algal growth.

Species within the Kyphosidae family can range in size, with some reaching up to about 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length. They are often schooling fish, particularly when young, but adults may be more solitary or found in smaller aggregations. Rudderfish are not a major target for commercial fisheries in most regions, although they are sometimes caught for local consumption or as bycatch. Some species can be quite hardy and are occasionally kept in large public aquariums. Their behavior is generally not considered aggressive towards humans.