Palecheek parrotfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits seaward coral and rocky reefs ; inner reefs with rich coral habitat . Feeds on benthic algae . May occur in small groups of 1 TP with 1 to 3 IPs . Caught mainly with traps, nets and other types of artisanal gear. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is further distinguished by having the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; scale rows on cheek 2; conical teeth absent on side of lower dental plate, 0-2 on upper plate of initial phase and often 2 on terminal male; lips slightly covers the dental plates; caudal fin in subadult slightly rounded to truncate and slightly emarginate in terminal male. Colour of male distinctly bicolored, with purple-brown anterior, and oblique division to pale yellow posterior; female entirely dark brown with red-orange tail .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Palecheek parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S, 102°E - 153°W Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands to Australia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Palecheek parrotfish 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 93 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Palecheek 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Japanese Parrotfish · Pale Bullethead Parrotfish · Palecheek parrotfish · Red-tailed Parrotfish · Redtail Parrotfish · Yellow-blotched Parrotfish |
| 🏳️Catalan | Peix lloro japonès |
| 🌍CES | ploskozubec japonský |
| 🌍FIJ | soqo |
| 🇫🇷French | Perroquet à joue pâle · Perroquet de Bloch |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce pappagallo guance pallide |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Shijukara · シジュウカラ |
| 🌍MSA | Kalat · Ketarap · Perencong |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Papagaio Rosto Pálido · Peixe-papagaio-nipônico |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Loro rostro Pálido |
| 🌍TGL | Luro · Lutiin |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 日本綠鸚哥魚 · 日本綠鸚嘴魚 · 日本绿鹦嘴鱼 · 菜仔魚(雌) · 青衫(雄) · 鸚哥 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callyodon abacurus | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Callyodon blochi | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Callyodon japanensis | Bloch | 1789 | Synonym |
| Callyodon philippinus | Fowler | 1918 | Synonym |
| Callyodon pyrrhurus | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Chlorurus japonensis | Bloch | 1789 | Synonym |
| Chlorurus pyrrhurus | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Scarus blochii | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Scarus japanensis | Bloch | 1789 | Synonym |
| Scarus pyrrhurus | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Scarus viridis | Bloch | 1790 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Palecheek parrotfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.