Pacific steephead parrotfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs. Juveniles generally solitary; large adults often school together. Feeds on benthic algae . 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. Juveniles below about 8 cm are black with several horizontal white streaks. Larger ones up to about 20 cm uniformly dark, greenish brown, slowly becoming blue with age. Blue streak and patch extending behind the corner of the mouth of large males often quite brilliant. Uniformly yellowish-tan individuals rare. Caudal fin lunate in large terminal males. Scale rows on cheek 3. Median predorsal scales 3-4 . Males develop large hump on head and appear blunt-headed .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific steephead parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 50 m , usually 1 - 15 m . Tropical; 31°N - 35°S, 105°E - 124°W north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rottnest Island, Lord Howe Island and Rapa Island (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pacific steephead 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) | 87 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific steephead 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callyodon microrhinus | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Callyodon ultramarinus | Jordan & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Pseudoscarus microrhinos | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Scarus microrhinos | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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