Stoplight Parrotfish
Sparisoma viride
- Group: Parrotfish
- Typical depth: 3 to 50 m
- Max size: 64 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Using a beak made of fused teeth, it scrapes soft algae from Caribbean coral reefs and grinds up rock as it feeds, releasing clouds of fine sand. Every individual starts life as a female and the largest later turn male, switching to a bright terminal pattern. Eating one can cause ciguatera poisoning.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Eupercaria incertae sedis › Labridae › Sparisoma
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 273780.
FAQ
- How deep does the Stoplight Parrotfish live?
- The Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is typically found at 3 to 50 m.
- Is the Stoplight Parrotfish dangerous to divers?
- The Stoplight Parrotfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Stoplight Parrotfish get?
- The Stoplight Parrotfish grows to about 64 cm.