Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 75 cm.
Indian and Pacific Ocean, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the eastern Pacific.
Description
The blue-barred parrotfish is a large parrotfish (family Scaridae) of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The species grows to about 75 cm and takes its name from the parrot-like fused jaw teeth with which it scrapes algae from rock and coral. Colour differs greatly with life stage: younger fish are yellowish, while large males are blue-green with blue margins on the scales. Like many parrotfishes the species begins life as a female and can later change into a male. It lives on lagoon and seaward reefs and is fished commercially. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue barred parrotfish?
The Blue barred parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a plain pattern. Parrot-beak-shaped jaw teeth; changes from female into male with a strong colour change.
Where does the Blue barred parrotfish live?
The Blue barred parrotfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indian and Pacific Ocean, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the eastern Pacific.
How big does the Blue barred parrotfish get?
The Blue barred parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Blue barred parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue barred parrotfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blue barred parrotfish edible?
Yes, the Blue barred parrotfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Blue barred parrotfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scarus
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Blue barred parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue barred parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.