Blue Trim Parrotfish

This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 6-8 (usually 7); 3 scale rows on cheek, 1(6-7), 2(6-9), 3(3-5); pectoral-fin rays 13-15 (occasionally 15); terminal male usually with 2 conical teeth on side of upper dental plate (female without), with lips mainly covering the plates; caudal fin rounded in small female, with prolonged lobes in large adult. Colour of male dark reddish brown anteriorly with a bright green dot at top end of line from mouth through eye to top of opercular opening; female red on head, belly and fins, side with wavy black and white stripes, and dark green bands around the mouth and eye (Ref. 9793, 90102).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). Sex change occurs at 29.0 cm TL and 7 years of age (Ref. 55367).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9

Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602), in slopes and drop-offs (Ref. 48636). Males common in atolls where they live mainly around the inner and outer edges of barrier reefs at depths of about 30 ft; females prefer deeper habitat (Ref. 4821). Small juveniles inshore on algae reef habitat. Enter silty, murky environments (Ref. 5490). Adults solitary (but may sometimes occur in small groups), juveniles in groups (Ref. 9710, 48636). Feed by scraping algae from rocks and corals (Ref. 5227). Roving herbivore (Refs. 43650, 57615, 127989). Protogynous hermaphrodite. Dwells in rocky substrates in shallow waters (Ref. 127989).

Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602), in slopes and drop-offs (Ref. 48636), often solitary but may sometimes occur in small groups (Ref. 9710, 48636). Males common in atolls where they live mainly around the inner and outer edges of barrier reefs at depths of about 30 ft; females prefer deeper habitat (Ref. 4821). Small juveniles in groups are found inshore on algae reef habitat (Ref. 9710, 48636) and sometimes enter silty, murky environments (Ref. 5490). Feed by scraping algae from rocks and corals (Ref. 5227). Are protogynous hermaphrodites (Ref. 55367). Caught with nets and other types of artisanal gear. Marketed fresh (Ref. 5284). In the Hong Kong live fish markets (Ref. 27253). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 90102.

fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial