Tricolour parrotfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, in areas with dense coral growth up to at least 30 m. Usually solitary, sometimes in groups . Feeds on benthic algae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Males differ slightly in head pattern and differences most obvious in females with yellow or red anal fins . Terminal phase similar to S. forsteni, differing primarily by having a yellow inner pectoral axil .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tricolour parrotfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tricolour parrotfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical East Africa south to Natal, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
benthic algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Tricolour 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 | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 94 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Tricolour 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callyodon cyanognathus | Bleeker | 1847 | Synonym |
| Callyodon elerae | Jordan & Seale | 1907 | Synonym |
| Callyodon latifasciatus | Seale & Bean | 1907 | Synonym |
| Callyodon mus | Smith | 1956 | Synonym |
| Callyodon tricolor | Bleeker | 1847 | Synonym |
| Callyodon urbanus | Smith | 1959 | Synonym |
| Callyodon viridibusius | Fowler & Bean | 1928 | Synonym |
| Scarus cyanognathos | Bleeker | 1847 | Synonym |
| Scarus cyanognathus | Bleeker | 1847 | Synonym |
| Scarus visayanus | Herre | 1933 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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