Spotted Parrotfish

C. ocellatus can reach a body length of about 30–80 cm (12–31 in) when fully mature. This species has a long snout and shows 14-15 pectoral rays, 5-7 median predorsal scales and 3 rows of scales on cheek. The color of the C. ocellatus varies between genders as well as between adults and juveniles.

Juveniles are usually white with a thick orange band that surrounds the head, except snout and chin. They have a black circular spot on their dorsal fin and a thick orange band on their rounded tail.

Females of the initial phase have a dark purple to reddish brown head, finely spotted with black ventrally. Body shows dorsally a broad, pale yellowish zone while below it is bluish gray. Scales are rimmed and spotted with black. Median fins are brownish red and caudal with a whitish crescent posteriorly.

C. ocellatus is widespread in the coastal waters of Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fishes are found along the southern east coast of Africa (from Somalia to South Africa), Australia, Southeast Asia (Coral Triangle region) and from northern to southern Japan.

In the Coral Triangle Region fish are being threatened by overfishing, destruction of habitat and destructive fishing practices. Due to climate change, their habitats are being destroyed. This is detrimental due to the fact that parrot fish are important to the dynamic of coral reefs.

The family of parrot fish has about 80 different species. In 2009, a study was conducted on genetic diversity among different species of parrot fish. The study found that that C. ocellatus had one of the lowest values of genetic diversity, making it highly vulnerable to drastic changes in its environment due to climate change and habitat destruction. Thus, C. ocellatus is less likely to adapt when compared to other parrotfish.

While most parrotfish species are relatively lightly fished, this large species is favoured by fishermen in some areas of the world which further contributes to their decline.