About Parupeneus porphyreus (Jenkins, 1903)
Parupeneus porphyreus has pale streaks running along its body. Its body can be grayish purple, greenish, or reddish, and it has a notable ability to change color in just seconds. It has a small white spot, or saddle, above the base of its tail, and has beard-like projections called barbels on the lower portion of its head that resemble a goat's beard. In Native Hawaiian naming, kolokolopā or mākolokolopā refers to the tiny early stage of this fish, which is called kūmū overall. ʻAhuluhulu is the name for juvenile kūmū. Kūmū aʻe refers to the stage when young kūmū are in the process of transforming into adults. Kūmū is the term used for fully grown adult individuals. Adult Parupeneus porphyreus are crepuscular or nocturnal, while young individuals feed during the day. Adults shelter in reef holes during the day, and forage for food over sandy areas at night. In contrast, juveniles feed during the day. Parupeneus porphyreus is typically found in shallow waters. It occurs around coral reefs in the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs, and usually gathers in small groups under ledges or near corals during the day.
