Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue chub (Scarus taeniopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 35 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral and rocky bottoms and seagrass beds.
Description
The princess parrotfish is a parrotfish of the family Scaridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 35 cm; the colour differs strongly by sex phase, from brown with white stripes in juveniles and females to green-blue with orange bands in adult males. It lives on coral and rocky bottoms; juveniles often stay among seagrass (Thalassia). With teeth fused into a parrot-like beak it scrapes algae from coral and rock, also grinding limestone into sand. Like many parrotfishes it changes sex during life, from female to male. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue chub?
The Blue chub has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Parrot beak for scraping algae from coral and grinding limestone to sand; changes sex. Caution: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Blue chub live?
The Blue chub lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral and rocky bottoms and seagrass beds.
How big does the Blue chub get?
The Blue chub grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.
Is the Blue chub dangerous to humans?
The flesh of the Blue chub is poisonous, so don't eat it. It has no venomous spines. By scraping algae off the reef, parrotfishes can take in ciguatera, an algal toxin that builds up in the flesh and is not destroyed by cooking. In tropical risk areas, avoid eating large specimens. If you get tingling, vomiting or diarrhoea after eating it, see a doctor.
Is the Blue chub edible?
The Blue chub is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Blue chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scarus
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Blue chub?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue chub is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone