How big is the Blue parrotfish?

Blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) reaches 30–120 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue parrotfish?

Blue parrotfish is found between 3–25 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Blue parrotfish?

IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).

Where can you find the Blue parrotfish?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Scarus coeruleus
Common name: Blue parrotfish
Category: Fish
Family: Labridae
Genus: Scarus
Size: 30–120 cm
Depth: 3–25 m
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: schooling, grazer
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Scarus coeruleus reaches 1.2 m, largest western Atlantic parrotfish. Uniformly bright blue-green body, terminal males develop characteristic massive forehead bump (melon). Smaller females uniformly pale blue. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives in groups from 3 to 25 m on coral reefs of Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic (Florida to Brazil). Listed NT by IUCN following overfishing. Herbivore essential to coral bioerosion. Iconic encounters in free spearfishing.

Photo of Blue parrotfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue parrotfish?: Blue parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) reaches 30–120 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue parrotfish?: Blue parrotfish is found between 3–25 m deep.
Is the Blue parrotfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blue parrotfish?: IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Blue parrotfish?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Scarus

Other species in the family Labridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 159300)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9811485)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia