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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Turf algae
- Benthic cyanobacteria
- Coral polyps
Predators
- Groupers
- Moray eels
- Reef sharks
ThreatsOverfishing, coral reef degradation, and habitat loss
HabitatsCoral reefs, seagrass beds, and shallow rocky shores
Life spanUp to 10 to 12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScaridae
- SpeciesSparisoma viride
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Predator (c) Robin White, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robin White · cc-by
Habitat Partner Nhobgood Nick Hobgood / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "queen parrotfish Scarus vetula terminal phase" by Paul and Jill is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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