Fin's Fish Guide
The Cortez chub (Kyphosus elegans) is a saltwater fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Description
The Cortez sea chub is a sea chub of the family Kyphosidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 53 cm and has an oval, silver-grey body. It stays close to shore and is sometimes seen in schools with related sea chubs and surgeonfishes, grazing alongside them. As a herbivore it feeds mainly on leafy algae and other plant matter from rocky reefs, supplemented with small invertebrates. Sea chubs have a long gut adapted to a plant diet. The species is a common reef dweller and is eaten locally. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cortez chub?
The Cortez chub has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Plant-eater with a long gut; sometimes grazes together with sea chubs and surgeonfishes.
Where does the Cortez chub live?
The Cortez chub lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky coastal reefs.
How big does the Cortez chub get?
The Cortez chub grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Cortez chub dangerous to humans?
No, the Cortez chub is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cortez chub edible?
The Cortez chub is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kyphosus
More from the family Kyphosidae
Want the complete picture on the Cortez chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cortez chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.