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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Turf Algae
- Coral Polyps
- Benthic Diatoms
Predators
- Reef Sharks
- Large Groupers
- Moray Eels
ThreatsOverfishing, habitat degradation, and coral bleaching
HabitatsCoral reefs, lagoons, and seaward reefs
Life spanUp to 15 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScaridae
- SpeciesChlorurus microrhinos
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
- 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.
Reef Companion (c) Julien Bidet for MDC Seamarc Maldives, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Giant Relative Dirk Froebel / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.