Species · GBIF taxon 2393542
Greenblotch Parrotfish
Scarus quoyiAlso known as Quoy's Parrotfish, Yellowbar Parrotfish
Greenblotch parrotfish cruise shallow western Pacific coral reefs, using fused beak-like teeth to scrape turf algae and detritus from dead coral blocks. At night, they secrete a protective mucous cocoon to mask their scent from nocturnal predators while resting in reef crevices. Their continuous grazing plays a vital role in preventing algae from smothering live coral structures and producing fine coral sand.
Coral ReefColorfulHerbivore
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Turf Algae
- Microalgae
- Benthic Detritus
Predators
- Moray Eels
- Reef Sharks
- Groupers
ThreatsCoral bleaching, reef degradation, and coastal overfishing
HabitatsShallow coral reefs, sheltered lagoons, and seaward reef slopes
Life span5–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyScaridae
- GenusScarus
- SpeciesScarus quoyi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance while diving or snorkeling.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Maintain a respectful distance while snorkeling to avoid disturbing its feeding rhythm.
- Sound cues: Listen underwater for the crunching sound of fused teeth scraping algae off hard coral.
Reef Co-inhabitant (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Attila Oláh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Attila Oláh · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative
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