Bicolour parrotfish

Appearance

It is among the largest parrotfishes, growing to a length of up to 90 cm . As in many of its relatives, it is a sequential hermaphrodite, starting as female and then changing to male . The initial phase is dark brown with a large cream patch on the upper part of the body. The terminal phase is very colourful, overall green with pink spotting to the body and edging to the fins. Juveniles are white with a black spot on the dorsal fin and an orange band through the eye.

Naming

It is monotypic within the genus ''Cetoscarus'', although the scientific name ''C. bicolor'' has been suggested to be reserved for the population in the Red Sea, in which case the remaining populations are named ''C. ocellatus''.''

Distribution

This species can be found in the Red Sea. The similar species which is widespread in the Indo-Pacific is ''Cetoscarus ocellatus''. The bicolour parrotfish is associated with coral reefs. It usually can be found in lagoons and seaward reefs at depths between 1 and 30 m . Small juveniles are usually found among dense coral and in algae-rich habitats.

Behavior

Male bicolour parrotfish are territorial. During its lifetime, this fish changes sex twice and very large females change sex to become brightly coloured males. This parrotfish mainly feeds on algae.

Habitat

This species can be found in the Red Sea. The similar species which is widespread in the Indo-Pacific is ''Cetoscarus ocellatus''. The bicolour parrotfish is associated with coral reefs. It usually can be found in lagoons and seaward reefs at depths between 1 and 30 m . Small juveniles are usually found among dense coral and in algae-rich habitats.