Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean parrotfish (Scarus hoefleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 66 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water.
Description
The Guinean parrotfish is a parrotfish of the family Scaridae reaching about 66 cm. Like other parrotfishes its jaw teeth are fused into a strong, parrot-like beak, with which the fish scrapes algae and growth off rocks and coral; in doing so it also grinds up limestone, excreted as sand. The colour differs strongly by life stage and sex, from red-brown in young and female fish to green-blue in large males. Like many parrotfishes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species lives near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water along the West African coast; at night it sleeps in a crevice. It is traded locally as a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean parrotfish?
The Guinean parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Parrotfish with the jaw teeth fused into a parrot-like beak; changes colour strongly with life stage and sex.
Where does the Guinean parrotfish live?
The Guinean parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Guinean parrotfish get?
The Guinean parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 66 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Guinean parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Guinean parrotfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Guinean parrotfish edible?
Yes, the Guinean parrotfish is commonly eaten.
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Same genus Scarus
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guinean parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.