steephead parrotfish
| Scientific name | Chlorurus microrhinos |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Bleeker |
| Year of description | 1854 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Scaridae |
| Genus | Chlorurus |
Introduction
The Steephead Parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos) is a tropical fish native to the Indo-Pacific area. It can be found from the sea of the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits shallow waters of reef zones and lagoons.
In the western Pacific, it has been observed in the Philippines, near the island of Java (Indonesia) and not far from the Ryukyu archipelago.
Its lineage lies between Chlorurus Gibbus and Chlorurus strongylocephalus.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size70 cm
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Average size35 cm
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Maximum size70 cm
How to recognize the steephead parrotfish ?
The Steephead Parrotfish is characterized by its prominent forehead. In their juvenile form, they are black with white stripes and solitary.
As adults, depending on their location, their colors can vary. They range from black to green-brown, and shift towards green with age. Rarely, individuals can be yellow-golden. They generally roam in groups of a few dozen individuals. In the Philippines and Micronesia, black and green-brown specimens are found. In the Great Barrier Reef, in the southern Pacific and up to Tahiti: individuals are more red.
They can also be recognized by the elongated U-shaped tail.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietherbivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The Steephead Parrotfish is a lively fish encountered in groups or solitary. Like its relatives, it frequents shallow coral reefs in search of algae.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
The Steephead Parrotfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Geographic distribution & Conservation
This species is at risk due to overfishing.
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Depth2 - 50 m
Biotope presentation
The Steephead Parrotfish is most commonly found at depths less than 35 meters. It is more often seen between 2 and 15 meters of depth.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Marc Raggi
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
http://www.fao.org/3/y0870e/y0870e12.pdf#[0,{%22name%22:%22FitH%22},472] - - 0.
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
