Details
Bolbometopon muricatum
The bumphead parrotfish is a large parrotfish of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Cathemeral loose groups move across reef surfaces.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses reef fronts, lagoons, and shallow reef slopes. Crevices for large fish to rest and algae-rich reef surfaces are important.
Length is about 70-130 cm and weight about 20-46 kg. A prominent head bump, strong beak-like teeth, and blue-green body are distinctive.
Activity is flexible, with groups moving slowly over the reef. Fish bite hard coral and rock, and may rest together at night.
It is herbivorous, scraping algae and plant material from coral surfaces. Crushed limestone passes through and contributes to fine reef sand.
It releases eggs into open water, where larvae drift with currents. Juveniles use reef habitats and range more widely as they grow.
Its status is listed as Vulnerable. Large size and slow growth make it sensitive to fishing pressure and reef degradation.
