Yellowfin Parrotfish

Scarus flavipectoralis

The Yellowfin Parrotfish is a marine ray-finned fish commonly found in the western Central Pacific, ranging from the Philippines to the Solomon Islands, and extending north to the Marshall Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef. It has recently been recorded in Tonga. This species is typically associated with reef environments, inhabiting lagoon and channel reefs. Divers are likely to encounter them at depths between 2 and 40 meters, although they are usually found deeper than 20 meters. Male Yellowfin Parrotfish are distinguished by their yellow pectoral fins and a horizontal green band running from the snout to above the pectoral fin base. Large males also display an oval yellow patch on the caudal peduncle. Females, in contrast, are plain yellowish-grey with pale lines along the abdominal area. The species exhibits a compressed body shape with large scales and a truncate caudal fin in its initial phase, which becomes slightly lunate in the terminal phase. These fish are oviparous, forming distinct pairs during breeding. They are harmless to humans and are of commercial interest in fisheries and aquariums. The IUCN has assessed the Yellowfin Parrotfish as Least Concern.