Queen Parrotfish

Queen Parrotfish (Scarus vetula)

The queen parrotfish is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the parrotfish family. It inhabits reefs throughout the tropical West Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Commonly known by various names such as blownose, blue chub, blue parrotfish, blueman, joblin crow parrot, moontail, okra peji, and slimy head, this species is prevalent across its range and is classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Adult queen parrotfish are robust, fusiform fish with beak-like mouths, reaching lengths of about 60 cm (24 inches). They exhibit two distinct color phases. Juvenile males and adult females are reddish-brown, differing significantly from the bluish-green coloration of mature males. Females, which remain reddish-brown or grayish brown with a paler head and a white lateral stripe along each flank, retain this color scheme throughout their lives. When females reach an average length of 25 cm (10 inches), they transition into males, adopting a new color phase. Mature males become pale bluish green with blue spots near the mouth, yellowish streaks between the mouth and eye, and pale blue bars on the pectoral fins.