Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish

Chlorurus spilurus

Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish is a reef-dwelling Indo-Pacific parrotfish known for its heavy beaklike teeth and strong jaw used to scrape algae and coral rock. It is generally not a targeted angling species and is more often encountered by divers on coral reefs than by anglers.

Saltwater

Pacific Bullethead Parrotfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Robust parrotfish body with a blunt, steep forehead and beaklike fused teeth
Variable blue-green to olive body often with pale markings and darker scale edges
Rounded tail and large, obvious scales typical of parrotfishes

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and lagoonal reef edges, usually over hard substrate with abundant algal growth; adults commonly use outer reef slopes and surge-exposed reef crests.

Bait notes

Not a common game fish and rarely targeted. If taken incidentally, small pieces of squid, shrimp, or cut bait may draw a strike, but hook-up is inconsistent because it feeds primarily by grazing.

Behavior

Diurnal grazer that scrapes turf algae, detritus, and bits of reef substrate from coral rock; may rest in crevices or around reef structure at night and often travels along reefs rather than schooling tightly.

Caution

Use caution when handling the mouth and gill area; its beaklike teeth can bite hard, and reef-fish consumption can carry ciguatera risk in some tropical areas. Check local regulations, as some reef fish are protected or size-restricted.

Fishing notes

Best treated as a non-target reef species. Light tackle around coral is risky and inefficient; if pursued, use small natural baits near reef structure, but avoid damaging coral and follow local reef-fishing rules.