How to Identify Queen Parrotfish

To identify Queen Parrotfish (Scarus vetula), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Terminal Phase (TP) males: Predominantly blue-green with a distinctive yellow-orange patch on the upper operculum and a blue-green band extending from the snout, under the eye, to the pectoral fin base. The caudal fin is blue-green with a broad, crescent-shaped yellow-orange band. Initial Phase (IP) individuals (females and some males): Generally brownish to reddish-brown, often with lighter vertical bars or mottling. Juveniles: Often a dull blue-grey with lighter spots or bands, sometimes resembling the Blue Parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) juveniles.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Terminal phase males have a prominent yellow-orange patch on the operculum., Terminal phase males have a distinct blue-green band from snout to pectoral fin base., Terminal phase males have a crescent-shaped yellow-orange band on the caudal fin., Initial phase individuals are typically reddish-brown to brownish., Dental plates are fused into a parrot-like beak.

Dorsal fin

9 spines, 10 soft rays

Tail fin

Lunate to emarginate in terminal phase males, more rounded in initial phase.

Pectoral fin

14-15 rays

Distinctive fins

Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed. Caudal fin shape changes with age and sex.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Terminal Phase Male Coloration

   Look for the striking blue-green body with the bright yellow-orange patch on the gill cover and the crescent-shaped yellow-orange band on the caudal fin. This combination is unique to TP S. vetula.

2. 2

   Initial Phase Coloration

   IP individuals are more challenging, being reddish-brown to brownish. Look for the overall body shape and fin structure characteristic of parrotfish. The absence of the distinct blue-green and yellow markings of other parrotfish can help differentiate.

3. 3

   Dental Plates (Beak)

   Like all parrotfish, S. vetula possesses fused teeth forming a strong, parrot-like beak used for scraping algae from hard substrates. The specific morphology of the dental plates can be used for species identification in detailed examination.

4. 4

   Size

   Adult Queen Parrotfish can reach a substantial size, which can help distinguish them from smaller parrotfish species, especially in their terminal phase.

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