Pacific longnose parrotfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits turbid lagoons more than outer reef areas. Usually seen in aggregations; females usually in small groups . Feeds on benthic algae . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. Large adults may occur to depths of at least 40 m.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Small juveniles are light brownish with a broad longitudinal orange band; the primary phase is a whitish brown to light gray with a yellowish tail; the terminal phase is light blue and green . Adults best recognized by the shape of the head .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pacific longnose parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Pacific longnose parrotfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 40 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S, 95°E - 141°W north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pacific longnose 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 | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 100 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pacific longnose parrotfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hipposcarus schultzi | Smith | 1959 | Synonym |
| Scarus longiceps | Valenciennes | 1840 | Synonym |
| Scarus macrocheilos | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Scarus macrocheilus | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Scarus pinguirostratus | Fowler | 1904 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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