Green Humphead Parrotfish [Bolbometopon muricatum]
Description
The Green Humphead Parrotfish is the largest species of parrotfish, commonly reaching lengths of 1.3 meters and weights of 46 kilograms. It is a reef-associated species, found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs. It is usually observed in loose aggregations in areas with large amounts of live coral. The species has a distinct coloration, with males exhibiting bright green and females a duller grey or brown. This species is known for its large size, its 'hump' forehead, and a beak-like mouth used for scraping algae and coral polyps off of hard substrates. It plays a significant role in bioerosion.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Fish
Actinopterygii
|
| Order |
Perciformes
Perciformes
|
| Family |
Parrotfishes
Scaridae
|
| Genus |
Bolbometopon
Bolbometopon
|