Chlorurus spilurus (Valenciennes, 1840)

Initial Phase Sex Variation

In Chlorurus spilurus, individuals in the initial phase of development may be either female or male.

Initial Phase Coloration

These initial-phase fish have a white beak, an overall dark reddish body coloration, a white caudal peduncle, and a caudal fin marked with a black patch.

Terminal Male Color Variation

Terminal (fully mature) males of this species show extensive variation in coloration.

Terminal Male Body Coloration

Their bodies are greenish, with large scales outlined by purple-blue lines.

Terminal Male Head Markings

They also have three purple-blue stripes around the mouth, plus one orange and one white patch on the cheek.

Species Distribution

Chlorurus spilurus is distributed across the Western and Central Pacific, ranging from Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn Island.

Habitat

These parrotfish inhabit a variety of coral reefs and lagoons.