ANIMAL SPECIES:Double-headed Parrotfish, Bolbometopon muricatum (Valenciennes, 1840)
The Double-headed Parrotfish can be recognised by the distinct hump on the head of adults, its drab colouration, and large size. It is the largest of all the parrotfishes, growing to 1.3 m in length.
Identification
The Double-headed Parrotfish can be recognised by the distinct hump on the head of adults, its drab colouration, and large size. It is the largest of all the parrotfishes.
Size range
The species grows to 1.3 m in length.Distribution
The Double-headed Parrotfish occurs throughout the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded around the tropical north of the country.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Double-headed Parrotfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species is found on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The species sometimes forms large schools which graze on algae during the day.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the parrotfishes (family Scaridae) is the beak-like dentition. Parrotfishes use this dentition to graze algae off the surface of the reef. A considerable amount of hard material is also scraped off the coral or rock when the fish feeds. This is ground up by the pharyngeal teeth and passed out with the faeces.
Classification
- Species:
- muricatum
- Genus:
- Bolbometopon
- Family:
- Scaridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Choat, J.H. & J.E. Randall. 1986. A Review of the Parrotfishes (Family Scaridae) of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia with Description of a New Species. Records of the Australian Museum. 38: 175-228.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1992. Tropical Reef-Fishes of the Western Pacific. Indonesia and adjacent Waters. Penerbit PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama. Pp. 314.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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Lateral view of a Double-headed Parrotfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Double-headed Parrotfish at north of Ribbon Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Double-headed Parrotfish at Sipadan, Malaysia View full size
Grey McNeil
© Grey McNeil
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