Family: Parrotfishes/ wrasses

The black-spotted tuskfish prefers sandy areas, and is therefore rarely encountered while diving, although it is basically not uncommon.

It is morphologically close to the European rason, and differs from parrotfish by a pointed dentition.

The black spot is very visible on live fish, but significantly faded on dead fish.

It is rather straightforward to catch but, like parrotfish, it should be shot from close distance enough to go through the scales.

Choerodon schoenleinii is an excellent raw and cooked fish.

Like the Napoleon wrasse, the bumphead parrotfish is one of the most characteristic and large reef fish of the Indopacific, frequently exceeding several tens of kilos. Its growth rate is slow and it can live more than 40 years. It is easily recognizable by its protruding bump on the head and the white line that runs from the chin to the top of the skull.

Often in schools of up to several dozens of individuals, humpback parrotfishs drift on the reefs and graze the coral with their robust beak, so much so that one can hear them before seeing them.

The bumphead parrotfish is definitely a star of the reef, but despite the protection afforded by its thick scale armor, it is vulnerable especially at night and has been decimated with spear in many areas. In the United States pacific islands, fishing is strictly regulated.

It is ok to consume, albeit with a muddy aftertaste.

It does not make any sense to catch it, let our scuba diving friends enjoy this beautiful and familiar reef host, one of the best diving buddies in the Indo Pacific, especially spectacular in night diving.

The Napoleon wrasse is one of the largest reef fish of the Indopacific, frequently exceeding several dozens of kilos.

It is easily recognizable by its green color, its protruding frontal bump and its big lips. Curious, it often swims up or along the drop-off to inspect you. It is covered with large scales forming a very resistant armor, like the bumphead parrotfish.

Juveniles are more colorful, especially around the eyes, and also less suspicious of humans. They can be confused with parrot fish and shot by mistake.

This iconic species is classified as vulnerable (endangered) by the IUCN and is banned from fishing in Australia.

In Indonesia its fishing is in principle regulated. In the Moluccas Napoleon fishing is strictly prohibited and landing it can cause serious trouble.

Even if its flesh is very good to consume, it does not make sense to shoot it, let our scuba diving friends enjoy this beautiful and familiar reef host, seen more and more as part of the natural heritage of nations possessing coral reefs.