East-Indies Parrotfish

Scarus hypselopterus

The East-Indies Parrotfish is a rare species of reef-associated fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Its distribution includes the Moluccas in Indonesia, the Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, and Palau. This species typically inhabits coastal and outer reefs with dense coral cover, often in silty environments, at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. The East-Indies Parrotfish can be identified by its elongated and compressed body shape. Males of the species resemble those of Scarus bowersi but can be distinguished by the extent of the tan area, which in S. hypselopterus does not reach as far back as the anal fin. During its initial phase, this parrotfish displays a distinctive black spot at the front of the anal fin and has a yellowish tail and soft dorsal fin. The species is oviparous, with distinct pairing observed during breeding. Despite its rarity, it poses no threat to humans and is considered harmless. It is commercially used in fisheries and aquariums. According to the IUCN Red List, the East-Indies Parrotfish is classified as Near Threatened.