This is one of the most common parrots at Kwajalein. Not as large as some of the others, it is usually found in small groups on seaward and lagoon reefs. We have long considered these to be Chlorurus sordidus, which has been shown to be primarily an Indian Ocean species. There is considerable color variation as the species grows, particularly in the males. The first photo below I suspect is a terminal phase male.
Younger ones still have some brownish color from their inital phase.
Asleep at night.
This one is changing to the male coloration. There is still a trace of the juvenile spot on tis caudal peduncle.
Initial phase adults, often females, are reddish brown with some white spots.
Late juvenile or early initial phase specimens are often in schools and are dark in color with a white tail bearing a distinct dark spot.
Not sure, but this may be an intermediate stage.
Created 8 March 2015
Updated 26 June 2021