Bleeker's Parrotfish
Chlorurus bleekeri
Bleeker's Parrotfish is a coral-reef parrotfish from the Indo-West Pacific, best known for grazing algae and scraping substrate with fused beak-like teeth. It is not a targeted food species in most places and is usually encountered by divers or reef fish anglers rather than as a common catch.
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Identification points
- Parrot-like fused beak teeth forming a blunt scraping mouth
- Robust reef-fish body with bright adult coloration typical of many parrotfishes
- Scaled, reef-associated profile with the rounded head and compact shape of Chlorurus parrotfishes
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and lagoonal areas with abundant hard coral and algal growth across tropical Indo-West Pacific reefs.
Bait notes
Not a standard game fish. If caught incidentally, small reef-associated baits, bits of shrimp, squid, or crab may take it, but it is more commonly observed than intentionally targeted.
Behavior
Primarily herbivorous, grazing algae from dead coral and reef surfaces by day. Like other parrotfishes, it uses strong fused teeth to scrape and crush hard substrate and often shelters in reef structure at night.
Caution
Avoid harvest from reefs where parrotfish are protected or where local food advisories apply. As a coral-reef herbivore in tropical waters, it may be subject to site-specific contamination or toxin concerns; local guidance matters.
Fishing notes
Reef fishing tactics with light tackle near coral structure may hook it accidentally. Because it is a reef grazer and many local reefs have harvest rules, handle selectively and check local regulations before keeping any parrotfish.