Species · GBIF taxon 2393553
Bicolour Parrotfish
Cetoscarus bicolorAlso known as Bicolor Parrotfish, Two-color Parrotfish, Red-speckled Parrotfish
Bicolour parrotfish undergo a dramatic color transformation as they mature, transitioning from white and orange juveniles into vibrant green and pink adults. They play a vital role in coral reef health by scraping algae off dead coral with their fused, beak-like teeth, which helps keep the reef clean and produces fine white sand in the process. These fish typically live in harems led by a single dominant male who defends his territory against rivals.
Reef-dwellingColorfulDiurnal
Licensed reference(c) Selim Türeli, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Algae
- Coral polyps
- Biofilm
Predators
- Sharks
- Groupers
- Moray eels
ThreatsOverfishing, habitat destruction, and coral bleaching
HabitatsCoral reefs, lagoons, and seaward reefs
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScaridae
- SpeciesCetoscarus bicolor
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.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Distance: Give these active swimmers plenty of space to graze along the reef without interruption.
- Listen Closely: Listen for the distinct scraping sound of their beak-like teeth grinding against coral while snorkeling.
- Watch the Sand: Observe the clouds of fine white sand they excrete, which helps build tropical beaches.
Close Relative Dirk Froebel / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by steve b · cc0
Image unavailableClose Relative
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