Queen Parrotfish

Queen Parrotfish

Scarus vetula

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Queen Parrotfish (Scarus vetula) is a vibrant, reef-dwelling fish known for its distinctive beak-like mouth used to scrape algae and coral. It exhibits marked sexual dimorphism and is a diurnal herbivore, often found in small harems led by a dominant male, though it can also form larger aggregations. At night, it secretes a protective mucus cocoon.

Max Length 61 cm
Max Weight 4 kg
Lifespan 7 - 21 years
Habitat Coastal zone and coral reef
Depth Range 3 - 25 m
Diet Herbivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Small groups

Destinations to spot Queen Parrotfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Queen Parrotfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Queen Parrotfish

Where can you see the Queen Parrotfish?

The Queen 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 Queen Parrotfish?

The Queen Parrotfish is most often seen at Great Blue Hole from March to October.

Can you see the Queen Parrotfish all year round?

Yes. At Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, Cozumel, Exuma Cays, and Glovers Reef, the Queen Parrotfish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Queen Parrotfish in Bahamas?

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

Where can you see the Queen Parrotfish in Belize?

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

Where can you see the Queen Parrotfish in Mexico?

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

How big does the Queen Parrotfish get?

The Queen Parrotfish can reach up to 61 cm in length and 4 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Queen Parrotfish live in?

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

How deep does the Queen Parrotfish live?

The Queen Parrotfish lives between 3 and 25 m deep.

What does the Queen Parrotfish eat?

Feeds on algae, seagrass and other plant matter.

When is the Queen 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 Queen Parrotfish live?

The Queen Parrotfish lives 7 to 21 years.

What is the conservation status of the Queen Parrotfish?

The Queen 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 Queen Parrotfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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