To distinguish between male and female parrotfish, you can observe the colors of their bellies and caudal fins, the length of their filaments, and the shape of their genital papillae. During the breeding season, the bellies of female parrotfish will turn red-orange, while the bellies of male parrotfish have no color. The caudal fins of female parrotfish are usually yellow, while those of male parrotfish are red. Besides, you can also tell them apart by comparing the length of the filaments. The filaments of male parrotfish will extend to the tail, while those of female parrotfish are shorter. The most reliable method is to check the shape of the genital papillae. The genital papillae of male parrotfish are relatively pointed and slender, while those of female parrotfish are relatively blunt and thick.
The living habits of parrotfish include inhabiting areas where reefs and sand mix. They mainly live at a depth of 30 to 50 centimeters below the surface of tropical and subtropical oceans. They are carnivorous fish, feeding on small benthic animals and are even able to eat poisonous food. Parrotfish cannot reproduce among themselves, but female parrotfish can hybridize with male fish of certain species to produce offspring.