Animal Profiles
Fish

Parrotfish

Scaridae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Parrotfishes are reef fishes with fused teeth that form a beak-like structure. This account follows the rainbow parrotfish, an Atlantic species whose young use mangrove habitats.

Rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia), the representative described here.

Rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia), the representative described here.

Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Scarus guacamaia is the representative described here. It occurs in the western Atlantic, including Caribbean reefs. Juveniles are commonly associated with mangroves, linking coastal nursery areas with adult reef habitats.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Bottom-growing algae provide the main food.

Classification

Common name
Parrotfish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Scaridae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Three things to know

  • Young fish use mangroves.
  • It mainly eats bottom-growing algae.
  • It shelters in a cave at night.

Habitat and range

Scarus guacamaia is the representative described here. It occurs in the western Atlantic, including Caribbean reefs. Juveniles are commonly associated with mangroves, linking coastal nursery areas with adult reef habitats.

Appearance and adaptations

Green and orange tones colour the body and fins. The dental plates form a strong beak. Unlike some other parrotfishes, this species does not show an obvious colour difference between the sexes in the cited account.

Diet and behaviour

Bottom-growing algae provide the main food. The fish uses a sheltering cave at night or when threatened. Feeding areas and secure resting places are therefore both important parts of its habitat.

Sources

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