Saltwater
Stoplight parrotfish
Sparisoma viride
Scaridae, Sparisomatinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 64 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 5,530 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, and 31 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Inhabits coral reefs with clear water. Young may be found in seagrass beds and other heavily vegetated bottoms. Feeds mainly on soft algae, but has been observed to graze on live corals like, Montastraea annularis. Produces a significant amount of sediment through bioerosion using its strong beak-like jaws and constantly re-growing teeth. Protogynous; strictly diurnal, spends the night sleeping on the bottom. Found singly or small in small groups.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Scarus frondosus
- Scarus viridis
- Sparisoma albigaardi
In other languages
- Punapapukaijakala
- Dark green parrotfish, Moontail, Parrot chub, Parrotfish, Redbelly
Articles
All articles
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.