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Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) — Scaridae

Spectacled parrotfish

Chlorurus perspicillatus
Family: Scaridae

The Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 61 cm.

Length
60.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–71.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Spectacled parrotfish is a parrotfish (Scaridae) from the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 61 cm and has fused, beak-like teeth with which it rasps algae and coral from the reef, producing fine sand. Dominant males are blue-green with a pale band across the snout, like spectacles. Like many parrotfish it changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spectacled parrotfish?

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

Where does the Spectacled parrotfish live?

The Spectacled parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii

How big does the Spectacled parrotfish get?

The Spectacled parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.

Is the Spectacled parrotfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spectacled 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 Spectacled parrotfish edible?

Yes, the Spectacled parrotfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) — Scaridae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) — Scaridae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) — Scaridae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters (Public domain)
Spectacled parrotfish (Chlorurus perspicillatus) — Scaridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) David R, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spectacled parrotfish sourced
Scientific name
Chlorurus perspicillatus
Family
Scaridae
Other names
Spectacled parrotfish; Spectacled parrot verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.9 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)
71.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii 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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