Green-Snout Parrotfish

Scarus viridifucatus

The Green-snout Parrotfish, Scarus viridifucatus, is a reef-associated fish found in tropical marine environments. It inhabits shallow reefs, reef fronts, and rocky shores of high islands, often seen on mixed algae rubble and coral patches. This species is distributed across the Western Indian Ocean, including East Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Maldives, extending to Phuket, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia like Bali and Sulawesi. Divers can encounter this fish at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters, where it is often seen grazing on benthic algae. Identifying the Green-snout Parrotfish is facilitated by its distinctive nearly all-green snout, a feature that sets males apart from similar species. It has a robust body with specific scale and fin ray counts, including 4 median predorsal scales and 12 pectoral fin rays. The species is solitary, and divers may observe it feeding on algae or resting among coral formations. Reproduction involves oviparous behavior with distinct pairing during breeding. The Green-snout Parrotfish is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is commonly caught using artisanal fishing methods and is sold fresh in local markets.