Fin's Fish Guide
The Knothead parrotfish (Chlorurus oedema) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 42 cm.
Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Japan and others
Description
The knothead parrotfish is a parrotfish (Scaridae) from reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, green to blue-green body, in old individuals with a conspicuous head bump, and fused teeth that form a parrot-like beak. With it it rasps algae and lichen from coral and stone; the digested limestone it excretes as fine sand. Many parrotfishes change sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Knothead parrotfish?
The Knothead parrotfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly green.
Where does the Knothead parrotfish live?
The Knothead parrotfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Japan and others
How big does the Knothead parrotfish get?
The Knothead parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.
Is the Knothead parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Knothead 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 Knothead parrotfish edible?
The Knothead parrotfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Knothead parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Knothead parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chlorurus
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Knothead parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Knothead parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.