Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue parrotfish (Scarus oviceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The dark capped parrotfish is a parrotfish from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a parrot-like, beak-fused tooth plate; adult males are blue-green with a conspicuous dark cap over the head, females greyer. As a reef-dweller it rasps algae and aufwuchs from coral and rock with its beak and so helps create sand. Like many parrotfishes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue parrotfish?
The Blue parrotfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Beak-shaped tooth plate rasps algae from coral; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Blue parrotfish live?
The Blue parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Blue parrotfish get?
The Blue parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Blue parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue 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 parrotfish edible?
Yes, the Blue parrotfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.