Princess Parrotfish

Princess Parrotfish

Scarus taeniopterus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Princess Parrotfish is a vibrant marine fish known for its fused, beak-like teeth used to scrape algae and coral polyps from reefs, a process vital for producing sand. Juveniles display striped patterns, while adults can exhibit striking blue, yellow, and orange coloration. They are typically found in schools during the day, foraging across coral reefs and adjacent seagrass beds, and are known to form a protective mucus cocoon at night.

Max Length 35 cm
Max Weight 0.7 kg
Lifespan 5 - 11 years
Habitat Coastal zone and coral reef
Depth Range 3 - 30 m
Diet Herbivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Schooling

Destinations to spot Princess Parrotfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Princess Parrotfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Princess Parrotfish

Where can you see the Princess Parrotfish?

The Princess Parrotfish can be seen at 13 dive destinations in Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico. The best spots include Andros Barrier Reef (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico), Exuma Cays (Bahamas), and Glovers Reef (Belize).

What is the best time to see the Princess Parrotfish?

The Princess Parrotfish can be seen all year round at Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, Cozumel, Exuma Cays, and Glovers Reef.

Where can you see the Princess Parrotfish in Bahamas?

In Bahamas, you can see the Princess Parrotfish at Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, Exuma Cays, Long Island, Nassau, and Tiger Beach.

Where can you see the Princess Parrotfish in Belize?

In Belize, you can see the Princess Parrotfish at Glovers Reef, Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Turneffe Atoll.

Where can you see the Princess Parrotfish in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Princess Parrotfish at Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen.

How big does the Princess Parrotfish get?

The Princess Parrotfish can reach up to 35 cm in length and 0.7 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Princess Parrotfish live in?

The Princess Parrotfish is found in these habitats: coastal zone and coral reef.

How deep does the Princess Parrotfish live?

The Princess Parrotfish lives between 3 and 30 m deep.

What does the Princess Parrotfish eat?

Feeds on algae, seagrass and other plant matter.

When is the Princess Parrotfish most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

How long does the Princess Parrotfish live?

The Princess Parrotfish lives 5 to 11 years.

What is the conservation status of the Princess Parrotfish?

The Princess Parrotfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Princess Parrotfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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