Bumphead Parrotfish
Bolbometopon muricatum
Sighting evidence at Bulan Reef Turtle Garden, Donsol
Photo: Mark Rosenstein · CC BY-NC
Enormous schools of bumphead parrotfish descend on Bulan Reef at dawn, their concussive head-butting against coral heads audible from 20 meters away as they excavate algae-covered coral substrate. These are the largest of all parrotfish species and among the most charismatic reef fish in the Indo-Pacific, with their school behavior creating a dynamic spectacle rarely seen on heavily dived reefs. Their presence at Bulan reflects the site's relatively low fishing pressure compared to reefs near major population centers.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Bumphead Parrotfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.