Parrotfishes
Blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban)
The Blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban) belongs to the family Scaridae (parrotfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a herbivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 30 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Scarus ghobban |
|---|---|
| Family | Parrotfishes (Scaridae) |
| Common name (IT) | Pesce pappagallo a bande blu |
| Common name (EN) | Blue-barred parrotfish |
| Maximum size | 30 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Blue-barred parrotfish belong to?
- The Blue-barred parrotfish (Scarus ghobban) belongs to the family Scaridae (parrotfishes).
- Is the Blue-barred parrotfish dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Blue-barred parrotfish endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Blue-barred parrotfish get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 30 cm.
Explore the Blue-barred parrotfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →