Bumphead Parrotfish

Bolbometopon muricatum

Bumphead parrotfish is a large, reef-associated parrotfish of the Indo-Pacific known for its massive hump-backed head and powerful beak-like teeth. It feeds mainly on hard corals and reef framework, producing large volumes of fine sand.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Very large, thick-bodied parrotfish with a steep, bulging forehead in adults
Prominent beak-like fused teeth and a blunt snout rather than a pointed mouth
Uniform bluish-green to gray-green adult coloration, often with a large pale head hump

Habitat

Outer reef slopes, lagoon reefs, and reef passes of tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs, usually where live coral cover and surge-swept reef structure are high.

Bait notes

Not a targeted sport fish and usually not pursued with standard bait tactics. Where capture is legal, reef-associated bait fishing may take it incidentally on small crustaceans, cut bait, or coral-edge presentations; take care not to target protected reef fish.

Behavior

A mostly diurnal grazer that uses its fused teeth to scrape and bite coral and algae from reef surfaces. It often moves in small groups and is most active around daylight on healthy reef habitat.

Caution

Many reef regions restrict harvest of large parrotfish; check local rules before targeting or retaining. As a coral-feeding reef fish, consumption advisories can be local and should be checked for reef-fish toxin risk in the area; the species also has strong jaws that can injure handlers.

Fishing notes

Generally not considered a recreational target species. If encountered, use light reef gear only where legal, and avoid reef-damaging methods; many local fisheries protect or restrict large parrotfish, and handling can be difficult because of its size and heavy head.