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Heavybeak parrotfish (Chlorurus gibbus) — Scaridae

Heavybeak parrotfish

Chlorurus gibbus
Family: Scaridae

The Heavybeak parrotfish (Chlorurus gibbus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Heavybeak parrotfish is a parrotfish (Scaridae) from the Red Sea. The species grows to about 70 cm and has fused, beak-like teeth with which it rasps algae and coral from the reef, producing fine sand. Dominant males are bright blue-green with a steep head. Like many parrotfish it changes sex and colour. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Heavybeak parrotfish?

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

Where does the Heavybeak parrotfish live?

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

How big does the Heavybeak parrotfish get?

The Heavybeak parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Heavybeak parrotfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Heavybeak parrotfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Heavybeak parrotfish edible?

Yes, the Heavybeak parrotfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bultkop-papegaaivis sourced
English name
Heavybeak parrotfish sourced
Scientific name
Chlorurus gibbus
Family
Scaridae
Other names
Heavybeak parrotfish; Steephead parrotfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max 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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
14.0 verified

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

Same genus Chlorurus

More from the family Scaridae

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