Species · GBIF taxon 5211130
Steephead Parrotfish
Chlorurus microrhinosAlso known as Blunt-head Parrotfish, Steep-headed Parrotfish, Micro-nosed Parrotfish
Steephead parrotfish are distinctive reef herbivores recognized by their blunt, nearly vertical foreheads and brilliant blue-green bodies adorned with yellow-green highlights. They play a vital role in coral reef health by using their fused, beak-like teeth to scrape algae off dead coral, which prevents algae from smothering the reef and generates vast amounts of white sand. Large adults often form small, active feeding schools that move dynamically across shallow lagoons and seaward reefs.
Reef-dwellingColorfulHerbivorous
Licensed referenceRickard Zerpe / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Algae, coral polyps, and detritus scraped from reef substrates
- family
- Scaridae
- threats
- Overfishing, habitat degradation, and coral bleaching
- life Span
- Up to 15 to 20 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Listen closely: You can often hear their loud scraping sounds underwater as they feed on coral.
- Keep your distance: Approach slowly while snorkeling to avoid scaring them off the reef.
- Look for sand clouds: Watch for the clouds of fine sand they excrete after digesting coral rock.