Green humphead parrotfish
(Bolbometopon muricatum)
General data
The green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) is the largest species of parrotfishes, growing to lengths of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and weighing up to 75 kg (165 lb).
It is found on reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea in the west to Samoa in the east, and from the Yaeyama Islands in the north to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, in the south.
Other common names include bumphead parrotfish, humphead parrotfish, double-headed parrotfish, buffalo parrotfish, and giant parrotfish.
It is the only species in the monotypic genus Bolbometopon and is the largest herbivorous fish inhabiting coral reefs.
Species description
Unlike wrasses, it has a vertical head profile, and unlike other parrotfishes, it is uniformly covered with scales except for the leading edge of the head, which is often light green to pink. Primary phase colouration is a dull gray with scattered white spots, gradually becoming uniformly dark green. This species does not display sex-associated patterns of color change.
The adult develops a bulbous forehead and the teeth plates are exposed, being only partially covered by lips.
The species is slow-growing and long-lived (up to 40 years), with delayed reproduction and low replenishment rates.
This species is gregarious and usually occurs in small aggregations, but group size can be quite large on seaward and clear outer lagoon reefs, exceeding 75 individuals.
