Pink Maomao

Taxonomy

Evolution

Description

The pink maomao has long and pointed pectorsl fins and a long based dorsal fin with spines and soft rays. The females are an overall mauvish pink color while the males are a similar color but may show blackish blotches on the back.
Pink color, forked caudal fin
Maximum length recorded 22 in, more commonly recorded 11–12 in
Weigh around 2.2 lb but can reach 4.4 lb
Females are pink to red, males are pinkish with yellow spots and a large dark blotch on their dorsal fin

Description of habitat

Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer.
Sea grass, seaweed, kelp, and phytoplankton
Sponges, damselfish, yellowtail kingfish, eastern blue grouper, port jackson sharks, giant cuttlefish, urchins, and seadragons.
Sydney falls in the temperate climate zone which has warm to hot summers and no dry season.
Marine coastal, coral reef

Distribution

Diet

Social structure

Form schools during the day
economic importance in the fishing industry, fish farming, recreational fishing
No gender leads
Groups of fish that stay together for social reasons are shoaling, if the group is swimming in the same direction in a coordinated manner, they are schooling.
Communicate through sound, color, bioluminescence, motion, electrical impulses and smell

Reproduction

Development

From an egg to larvae, to fry, to fingerlings/juveniles, to adults
4-5 months old when becoming sexually mature
Larvae have their own food called a yolk sac, fry undergo several more developmental stages, which vary by species, as they mature into adults, the fins and scales will grow and develop during the juvenile stage becoming much bigger and stronger than the fry
Fish ovaries are found in the gut cavity of the female, males testes are located ventral of the swimbladder and dorsal of the intestine

Causes of death

Seals, other bigger fish, squid, octopus, and large sea creatures
Body size is a sexually selected trait and plays an important role in mate choice and mate competition
Fungal/bacterial infections
Pollution

Competition

Interspecies- for food supplies, living space, or other resources that may be in short supply
Intraspecies- compete for the same resources and for survival
Invasive species affected by predation and competition

IUCN rating

Human impact

Scientists have found that when fisheries go after mostly large fish, they create evolutionary pressure that favors the survival of smaller fish. Eventually, intense pressure from fishing could lead to food supply issues.
Some scientists predict we will see the end of commercial fishing by 2050. Although not everyone agrees with that timeline, the consensus is that we're taking too much. Failing to act will eventually lead to the end of fish.
Since discovered in 1859 humans have interacted with
Some fish farmers manage wastes by using filters to remove sediments and keep them out of neighboring waters.

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