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Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) — Scaridae

Japanese parrotfish

Chlorurus japanensis
Family: Scaridae

The Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 56 cm.

Length
56.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–20.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cook Is. and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Japanese parrotfish is a parrotfish (Scaridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 56 cm and has fused, beak-like teeth with which it rasps algae and coral from the reef, producing fine sand. Males are green-blue, females red-brown with a pale tail band. Like many parrotfish it changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Japanese parrotfish?

The Japanese parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Japanese parrotfish live?

The Japanese parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cook Is. and others

How big does the Japanese parrotfish get?

The Japanese parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.

Is the Japanese parrotfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Japanese 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 Japanese parrotfish edible?

Yes, the Japanese parrotfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) — Scaridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Enot Poluskuns, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) — Scaridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Mark Rosenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) — Scaridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Abby Hyde, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Japanese parrotfish (Chlorurus japanensis) — Scaridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Jon Aull, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Japanese parrotfish sourced
Scientific name
Chlorurus japanensis
Family
Scaridae
Other names
Pale bullethead parrotfish; Palecheek parrotfish; Redtail parrotfish; Yellow-blotched parrotfish; Parrotfish; Red-tailed parrotfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
56.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Cook Is. and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chlorurus

More from the family Scaridae

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