Species · GBIF taxon 2393894
Stoplight Parrotfish
Sparisoma virideStoplight parrotfish are vibrant reef residents famous for their dramatic color transformations, transitioning from a mottled red and white initial phase to a brilliant green and blue terminal male phase. Using their fused, beak-like teeth, they scrape algae from coral skeletons, grinding up the limestone to produce vast quantities of fine white sand. They are active during the day, navigating shallow reefs in search of feeding territories that males aggressively defend.
Reef DwellingDiurnalColor Changing
Licensed referenceAdona9 at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Algae and organic detritus scraped from coral skeletons
- family
- Scaridae
- threats
- Overfishing, coral reef degradation, and habitat loss
- life Span
- Up to 10 to 12 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Listen closely: Snorkelers can often hear the distinct crunching sound of their teeth scraping coral.
- Observe color phases: Look for the bright yellow spot near the tail that gives the terminal male its name.
- Keep your distance: Avoid blocking their feeding paths to watch their natural grazing behavior.