How big is the Bumphead parrotfish?

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) reaches 70–130 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Bumphead parrotfish?

Bumphead parrotfish is found between 1–40 m deep.

Where can you find the Bumphead parrotfish?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum)

Key facts

Scientific name: Bolbometopon muricatum
Common name: Bumphead parrotfish
Category: Fish
Family: Labridae
Genus: Bolbometopon
Size: 70–130 cm
Depth: 1–40 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: schooling, grazer
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Bolbometopon muricatum reaches 130 cm and 75 kg, the largest parrotfish worldwide. Massive uniform green-blue to gray-green body, characteristic huge adult forehead hump (melon), powerful beak. Lives in small schools from 1 to 40 m on outer coral reefs of central Indo-Pacific to western Pacific. Contributes enormously to coral bioerosion by crushing coral to extract symbiont algae (produces tons of sand per year). Listed VU by IUCN, intense nocturnal fishery. Premium encounters Great Barrier, Sipadan, Palau.

Photo of Bumphead parrotfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bumphead parrotfish?: Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) reaches 70–130 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bumphead parrotfish?: Bumphead parrotfish is found between 1–40 m deep.
Is the Bumphead parrotfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bumphead parrotfish?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Bumphead parrotfish?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Labridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219074)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2393443)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia