How to Identify Sordid Parrotfish

To identify Sordid Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable depending on sex and life phase. Initial Phase (IP) individuals (females and some males) are typically mottled brown, grey, or reddish-brown, often with lighter spots or bars, and sometimes a pale caudal peduncle. Terminal Phase (TP) males are much more brightly colored, often green or blue-green with pink or orange markings on the head, fins, and body. A distinctive feature in TP males is a prominent green or blue-green patch around the eye and a yellow or orange streak extending from the mouth. Juveniles are typically mottled brown.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Fused teeth forming a parrot-like beak, Large, cycloid scales, Prominent forehead in larger individuals, Sexual dichromatism (different coloration between sexes), Ontogenetic color changes (color changes with age/phase)

Dorsal fin

IX spines, 10 soft rays; continuous fin.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate in IP, becoming more emarginate or lunate in TP males.

Pectoral fin

14-16 rays; relatively large and fan-like.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays. Anal fin has III spines and 9 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Initial Phase (IP) Coloration

   Mottled brown, grey, or reddish-brown with lighter spots or bars. Often has a pale caudal peduncle. Can be confused with other IP parrotfish, but the overall body shape and fin structure are consistent.

2. 2

   Terminal Phase (TP) Male Coloration

   Bright green or blue-green body with pink or orange markings on the head, fins, and body. A prominent green or blue-green patch around the eye and a yellow or orange streak from the mouth are key identifiers. The caudal fin often has a more lunate shape.

3. 3

   Dental Plate

   Like all parrotfish, the teeth are fused into a beak-like structure. In Chlorurus sordidus, the dental plates are relatively robust and exposed.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded length of about 40 cm (16 inches).

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