Latin name

Cetoscarus ocellatus

Other name

Cetoscarus ocellatus

Identification

The species name ocellatus refers to the dark eye on the dorsal fin of juveniles.

This species is characterised by the following features: 14-15 (usually 14) pectoral rays; 5-7 (usually 6) median anteromedian scales; 3 rows of scales on cheek, the lower row consisting of 3-7 scales; nodular outer surface of dental plates (as opposed to smooth in Chlorurus, Hipposcarus and Scarus); conical teeth absent on cheeks; lateral sides of dental plates; lips largely covering dental plates; snout long, 1.8-2.2 inches long.  

Features of fish fins

Juveniles have a rounded caudal fin, whereas adults have a pointed caudal fin.

Fish colouring

The colouration of these fish varies between the sexes and between adults and juveniles. Juveniles are usually white with a thick orange stripe around the head, except for the snout and chin. They have a round black spot on the dorsal fin and a thick orange stripe on the rounded tail. Early stage females have a dark purple to reddish brown head with small black spots on the abdomen. There is a broad pale yellowish area on the back of the body with a bluish grey area underneath. The scales are bordered by black spots. The median fins are brownish-red and the caudal fin has a whitish crescent on the dorsal side. In brightly coloured males, the terminal fins are green, the scales are edged with pink, and there are numerous small pink spots on the head and front of the body. An orange stripe runs from the mouth to the anal fin.

Distribution

Widespread in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are found along the south-east coast of Africa, from Somalia to South Africa, in Australia and south-east Asia (Coral Triangle region) and from north to south Japan.

Habitat

A tropical marine species. They inhabit coral reefs and can be found at depths from 1 to 40 m (3.3 to 131.2 ft). They vary in habitat. Some prefer coral reefs, others algae thickets, mangroves and rocky reefs.

Size

At maturity, spotted parrotfish can reach a length of 30-80 centimetres.

Behavior

They travel in large packs led by a dominant male followed by females. If this male leaves or is separated for any reason, one of the dominant females in the group will take over and change sex and colour. Males are territorial.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on coral, but the amount of coral the fish have can depend on the local habitat and the type of coral present. They also eat seaweed.

Reproduction

A hermaphroditic member of the family. It is mainly found in the Coral Triangle area, although it has also been found in seagrass and seaweed thickets and mangroves. Being hermaphroditic, these parrotfish begin life as females ("initial phase") and can eventually become males. They lay eggs and clearly mate during reproduction.

Fishing

In the Coral Triangle region, they are threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction and destructive fishing practices. Climate change is destroying their habitats. This is detrimental because parrotfish play an important role in the dynamics of coral reefs.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Used in aquariums.