The Parrot fishes of the Family Callyodontidae of the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

Parrot fishes are so abundant in the tropical parts of the Western Indian Ocean as to be of considerable economic significance. The majority are taken in traps and nets, some by spearing, fewer on lines. The flesh of even the largest is delicate and tasty, mostly eaten fresh as it is not easily preserved. It is esteemed by almost all races and classes, excepting only the Portuguese of Mozambique who do not regard these gaudy fishes with favour. In British territories, however, they are eagerly sought by the Whites. It has been stated that in some parts Parrot fishes are toxic, but as far as could be ascertained no species are ever unwholesome in East Africa or north of Madagascar to Seychelles. It is only in certain specific cases that laymen and even the native fishermen are able to distinguish individual species of Parrot fishes. Most species are more or less lumped together as âParrotsâ with prefixes such as âGreenâ or âRed.â To the native fishermen they are known as follows: Red Sea to Suez, âHaridâ; Somaliland, âJelloâ or âPonnoâ; Kenya to North Mozambique, âPonoâ; Seychelles and vicinity, âKAKATOIâ; Mauritius, âKAKATOIâ or âGATEAU,â some species characterised more closely by descriptive adjectives. These fishes are commonly subject to what appears to be a parasitic infection of the nostrils, resulting in considerable swelling of the snout.,Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation),The main funds were provided by the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, enabling expeditions to be made to Mozambique, Tanganyika, Zanzibar, Pemba, Kenya, Seychelles and the other islands north of Madagascar, whose authorities provided valuable aid and facilities in support. It had been intended to include French territories but this was unfortunately not possible. This publication and its ample colour illustration have been made possible by a generous special grant from the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.