Chlorurus perspicillatus (Steindachner, 1879)

Common Name & Maximum Length

Chlorurus perspicillatus, commonly known as the spectacled parrotfish, can reach 30 centimeters (1 foot) in total length.

Head & Body Morphology

It has a blunt oval-shaped head, a square tail, and smooth jaws.

Sexual Dimorphism in Coloration

This species shows clear color variation between sexes: mature males are primarily blue, with thin bright pink edges along the scales that cover the head, while females are dark purple-grey, with red fins and a white patch on the tail at the junction where the tail meets the body.

Life Cycle Sex Transition

All spectacled parrotfish typically begin life as female, and transition to male over the course of their lives; this transition is usually accompanied by a change in color or pattern.

Habitat & Depth Range

The spectacled parrotfish lives on coral reefs and seaward reefs, at depths down to 60 meters.

Diet & Ecological Role

It has an herbivorous diet, feeding on algae, and helps maintain coral reef health by preventing algae from overgrowing the reef.

Social Behavior

Unlike many other parrotfish species, the spectacled parrotfish usually stays solitary, though it may sometimes be found in small groups.