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Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) — Scaridae

Bumphead parrotfish

Bolbometopon muricatum
Family: Scaridae
VU · Vulnerable

The Bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 130 cm.

Length
130 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The bumphead parrotfish is the largest parrotfish (Scaridae) in the world, from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 1.3 metres and has a robust, grey-green body with a conspicuous, steep bump on the forehead and fused, beak-like teeth. In schools it rams living coral with its head and rasps off the algae and polyps, producing large amounts of sand. Through overfishing the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bumphead parrotfish?

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

Where does the Bumphead parrotfish live?

The Bumphead parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bumphead parrotfish get?

The Bumphead parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 130 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.

Is the Bumphead parrotfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bumphead parrotfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bumphead parrotfish edible?

Yes, the Bumphead parrotfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bultkop-papegaaivis sourced
English name
Bumphead parrotfish sourced
Scientific name
Bolbometopon muricatum
Family
Scaridae
Other names
Bumphead parrotfish; Double-headed parrotfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
130.0 verified
Average length (cm)
70.0 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Scaridae

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