Humphead parrotfish
Bolbometopon muricatum
Sighting evidence at Chumbe Reef, Chumbe Island Coral Park
Photo: Mark Rosenstein · CC BY-NC
Humphead parrotfish are the largest parrotfish species, reaching 1.3 metres and 46 kg, and they are ecosystem engineers of the first order. Their fused beak teeth can bite through solid coral skeleton; a single large adult may produce up to 90 kg of white coral sand annually through bioerosion. Schools of 20 to 50 individuals are routinely seen at Chumbe — a direct consequence of the no-take zone — and their presence is a strong indicator of reef health.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Humphead parrotfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.