Fin's Fish Guide
The Bucktooth (Calotomus carolinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 54 cm.
Description
The stareye parrotfish is a parrotfish of the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific, ranging from East Africa to the Galapagos and absent from the Red Sea. It grows to about 54 cm and has a grayish-brown body with whitish markings and reddish-brown tones below; star-like lines radiate around the eye. The parrot-like beak is used to graze encrusting algae and seagrass. The fish lives on reef flats, in lagoons and over seagrass and coral bottoms down to over seventy metres depth. Like many parrotfishes the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite that starts as a female and can later change into a male. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bucktooth?
The Bucktooth has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Parrot-like mouth; star-shaped lines around the eye; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Bucktooth live?
The Bucktooth lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific
How big does the Bucktooth get?
The Bucktooth grows to a maximum of about 54 cm.
Is the Bucktooth dangerous to humans?
No, the Bucktooth 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 Bucktooth edible?
The Bucktooth is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Calotomus
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Bucktooth?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bucktooth is one of 12,519 species in the app.