Common parrotfish
📖 Overview
Inhabit reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 25 m depth . Found over corals . Benthopelagic . Initial-phase fish stage usually form small feeding schools . Graze on benthic algae . Secrete a mucus cocoon .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; 2 scale rows on cheek, 1(5-7), 2(4-7); pectoral-fin rays 13-15 (usually 14); female usually 1 conical tooth on side of upper dental plate, terminal male with single tooth on side of lower dental plate, lips largely covering dental plates; caudal fin slightly emarginate in small female to deeply emarginate in large TP male. Colour of male green to pale brownish with salmon pink or bluish scale margins, a lavender-grey snout, bluish to lavender caudal fin and the nuptial male with a brilliant yellow body; female overall reddish brown to grey, usually pale snout .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Common parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Common parrotfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical; 36°N - 35°S, 30°E - 123°W south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Common 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 91 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Common parrotfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 17 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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