Dive sites3
Marine life profile
Humphead parrotfish
Recorded at 3 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Humphead parrotfish around the world
The green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) is the largest species of parrotfish, growing to lengths of 1.3 m (4.3 ft) and weighing up to 46 kg (101 lb), though some sources report a total length of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and weight of 75 kg (165 lb). Groups graze hard reef surfaces, producing a crunch that divers may hear before seeing the fish.
Countries3
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileGenerally Harmless
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
A massive parrotfish with a steep forehead, heavy beak and deliberate, powerful movement over the reef.
How It Behaves
Groups graze hard reef surfaces, producing a crunch that divers may hear before seeing the fish.
Special Ability
Its reinforced beak removes tough algae and pieces of dead coral, converting reef rock into fine sediment.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.
Safety
Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
A single large individual can process an extraordinary amount of reef material during a day of feeding.
Where to Find
Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.
Known countries
IndonesiaIndiaMaldives
Sightings map
Humphead parrotfish locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Shark Point
Indonesia
Travel time: 20-25 minutes Depth: 6m - 30+ meters Level: All Levels Current: Strong at new and full moon Marine Life: Reef sharks, turtles, humphead parrotfish, large schools of fish Highlights: Canyons that run parallel to the shore, excellent site for viewing the big stuff! A flat sandy bottom turns into a series of progressively deeper canyons that run parallel to the eastern shore of Gili Trawangan. This is a very popular site due to the sheer variety of life that can be seen on a single dive. Reef sharks can be seen cursing through the canyons while lazy turtles can be spotted in the shallows and every full moon it is a favorite hangout for schools of huge humphead parrotfish. This site also houses the Glenn Nusa Wreck which was deliberately sunk in February 2016 she sits upright.
Tribe Gate
India
Tribe Gate/Oval reef is not one reef, but several patches of reefs around the bigger reef which is, well, you guessed right, oval-shaped! The shallowest part of the reef is about 3 metres / 10 feet and the deepest part is about 15 metres / 50 feet. Schools of juvenile pick handle barracudas, two-spot snappers, and fusiliers are found in this area. In the shallows, you will hear the loud crunching of humphead parrotfish before you see them. Octopuses, colourful nudibranchs, and a variety of anemonefish are also spotted here.
Tweety and Sylvester
Maldives
This Divesite is located on the east side of the island Baarah and is covered in hardcoral. Easy to dive between 10 - 20m. Also good for beginners.