Blue maomao

Taxobox
name = Blue maomao


image_caption = Photo by Ian Skipworth
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Kyphosidae
genus = "Scorpis"
species = "S. violacea"
binomial = "Scorpis violacea"
binomial_authority = (Hutton, 1873)

The blue maomao, "Scorpis violacea", is a sweep of the genus "Scorpis", found around eastern Australia and northern New Zealand to depths of a few metres, over reef areas and off headlands. Its length is between 20 and 45 cm.

The blue maomao is similar to the silver sweep but instead has a uniform bright blue colour with a dark grey tinge to the front of each tail fin lobe. It is a schooling plankton feeder which is often found over reefs and off headlands where the currents bring planktonic crustaceans which is their main diet. They sometimes feed on the surface with their foreheads out of the water.

Breeding takes place from October to December and juveniles settle in November to January, with bright blue backs, and bright yellow bellies and anal fins.

Blue Maomao are easily caught by anglers using very small hooks and a variety of baits, and they are delicious eating.

Blue Maomao are long lived fish with specimens of 15 plus years, dated from otoliths.

References

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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8