Cryptotomus roseus

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ScaridaeCryptotomus roseusCope1871Bluelip Parrotfish

Cryptotomus roseus

Unique Characters: Teeth not fused into beak-like plates but with numerous separate teeth visible on jaw margins. Slender fish, body depth 4-4.6 times in standard length. No membranous flap on anterior nostril. Small-sized adult (not exceeding 10 cm). Pale to reddish color, often with pattern of alternating white/pink and brown/green stripes.

Similar Species: Emerald Parrotfish Nicholsina usta. Teeth not fused into beak-like plates but with numerous separate teeth visible on jaw margins. Body depth 3-3.2 times in standard length. Simple membranous flap at posterior edge of anterior nostril. Medium-sized adult (reaching at least 29 cm). Body mostly green in life.

Nicholsina usta
Emerald Parrotfish – Nicholsina usta Photo Credit: G.W. Link

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