Carolines parrotfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits subtidal reef flats, and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depths of at least 27 m . Found in coral, rubble, seagrass and weedy areas . Benthopelagic . Found singly or in small groups . Feeds on a variety of benthic encrusting algae, e.g., Padina and seagrasses. A protogynous hermaphrodite which may only have secondary males. Caught with nets and other types of artisanal gear.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 25. Grayish brown when fresh with scales with fine whitish markings, shading to brownish red ventrally; head paler ventrally, an indistinct orange-brown line from orbit to upper lip; posterior to orbit, 3 short dull reddish lines. Flexible dorsal spines. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles, double emarginate with slightly prolonged lobes in large males. Skin black around anus. Lateral line interrupted. Brownish red pelvic fins with blotches or spots. Dull reddish-brown iris.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Carolines parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning observed to occur off the reef front on the falling tide at the Aldabra Atoll.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 71 m . Tropical; 30°N - 31°S, 30°E - 89°W East Africa to the Revillagigedo and Galapagos islands.
🌿 Ecology
a variety of benthic encrusting algae, e
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Calotomus Carolinus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 82 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Carolines parrotfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calatomus carolinus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Callyodon brachysoma | Bleeker | 1861 | Synonym |
| Callyodon carolinus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Callyodon genistriatus | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Callyodon sandwicensis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Calotomus irradians | Jenkins | 1901 | Synonym |
| Calotomus sandvicensis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Calotomus sandwicensis | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Calotomus snyderi | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
| Calotomus xenodon | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
| Cryptotomus albimarginatus | Fourmanoir & Guézé | 1961 | Synonym |
| Leptoscarus brachysoma | Bleeker | 1861 | Synonym |
| Scarichthys rarotongae | Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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