Fin's Fish Guide
The Collette's parrotfish (Nicholsina collettei) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 24 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
Collette's parrotfish is a parrotfish of the family Scaridae reaching about 24 cm. Like other parrotfishes its jaw teeth are fused into a beak, but less heavily calcified than in the true coral parrotfishes; with it the fish mainly clips and scrapes seagrass and algae. The colour differs by life stage and sex, from brownish-green in young and female fish to brighter green in males. Like many parrotfishes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species lives near seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water along the West African coast. It is traded locally as a food fish and plays a role in grazing seagrass beds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Collette's parrotfish?
The Collette's parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Parrotfish with the jaw teeth fused into a beak, but less strongly calcified than in true coral parrotfishes; grazes on seagrass.
Where does the Collette's parrotfish live?
The Collette's parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Collette's parrotfish get?
The Collette's parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Collette's parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Collette's parrotfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Collette's parrotfish edible?
Yes, the Collette's parrotfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nicholsina
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Collette's parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Collette's parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.