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Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) — Scaridae

Raggedfin parrotfish

Chlorurus rhakoura
Family: Scaridae

The Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 44 cm.

Length
44.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–30.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Raggedfin parrotfish is a parrotfish (Scaridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 44 cm and has fused, beak-like teeth with which it rasps algae and coral from the reef, producing fine sand. The fins look somewhat ragged; males are green-blue. Like many parrotfish it changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Raggedfin parrotfish?

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

Where does the Raggedfin parrotfish live?

The Raggedfin parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand

How big does the Raggedfin parrotfish get?

The Raggedfin parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.

Is the Raggedfin parrotfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Raggedfin 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 Raggedfin parrotfish edible?

The Raggedfin parrotfish is rarely eaten.

More photos

Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) — Scaridae — 2
Zinzi Somana (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) — Scaridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) — Scaridae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Raggedfin parrotfish (Chlorurus rhakoura) — Scaridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) davidbeo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Raggedfin parrotfish sourced
Scientific name
Chlorurus rhakoura
Family
Scaridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
44.2 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand 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
Rarely 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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