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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible ⚡ Reports of ciguatera poisoning 🌡️ Tropical

Pacific slopehead parrotfish

Chlorurus frontalis Valenciennes, 1840
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2
Depth
10–40 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
34.00/100
Typical Length
38 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Often seen in small schools on exposed reef flats and seaward reefs . Minimum depth reported from Ref. 90102. Feeds on benthic algae .

Scientific Name
Chlorurus frontalis
Authority
Valenciennes, 1840
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
50 cm
Depth Range
10–40 m
Latitude
25°S – 30°N
Trophic Level
2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
34.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Coloration changes slowly with growth. The light green patch on the caudal peduncle is present on individuals as small as 15 cm and the distinctive tan facial markings are on most individuals above 20 cm. Large males develop a near-vertical forehead profile and long lobes and a well-developed lunate caudal fin.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pacific slopehead parrotfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

algae
aquatic plants
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 40 m . Tropical; 30°N - 25°S north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
2
🐠 Schooling
Food Items

benthic algae (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0123 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
50cm
Dorsal Spines
9
Dorsal Rays
10
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
34.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
30°N – 25°S
Described By
Valenciennes, 1840

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Chlorurus Frontalis is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18.2 g
Omega-3 (total) 59 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Pacific slopehead parrotfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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