Yellowbar Parrotfish

Scarus schlegeli

Yellowbar parrotfish is a reef-dwelling Indo-Pacific parrotfish with a distinctive yellow bar behind the pectoral fin. It grazes algae from coral and rock, helping control reef growth; like other large reef fishes, eating it can carry ciguatera risk in some areas.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Bright yellow to orange bar/patch behind the pectoral fin
Robust parrot-like fused beak teeth for scraping coral and algae
Adult body often greenish-blue with reddish or pinkish markings and large scaled head

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, and lagoon slopes with abundant live coral and algal growth, usually in warm tropical marine waters.

Bait notes

Not a common targeted angling species. If caught incidentally, small natural baits and tiny reef jigs or flies may take it, but parrotfish are usually more likely to bite algae-based offerings than standard gamefish lures.

Behavior

Feeds by scraping algae and bits of coral from hard reef surfaces, often in small groups or pairs. Active by day and retreats into reef structure at night; strong beaklike jaws leave grazing scars on substrate.

Caution

Ciguatera poisoning is a concern in some tropical reef areas; avoid eating large individuals and heed local advisories. Check local rules, as reef fish regulations and harvest restrictions may apply.

Fishing notes

Best approached on light tackle around shallow reefs and drop-offs, using tiny hooks and a stealthy presentation. Many anglers do not target parrotfish intentionally because they are reef-dependent, often protected locally, and poor candidates for catch-and-release stress.