Stoplight Parrotfish

Stoplight Parrotfish

Sparisoma viride

Least Concern

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a vibrantly colored reef fish known for its strong, beak-like jaws used to scrape and excavate algae from coral, contributing significantly to sand production in reefs. This species exhibits dramatic color changes throughout its life phases and is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning it can change sex from female to male. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging on coral reefs in the tropical western Atlantic, and typically rest hidden on the seabed at night.

Max Length 64 cm
Max Weight 1.6 kg
Lifespan 7 - 30 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 3 - 50 m
Diet Herbivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
Range

Where Stoplight Parrotfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Stoplight Parrotfish

Where can you see the Stoplight Parrotfish?

The Stoplight Parrotfish can be seen at 14 dive destinations in Belize, Bahamas, and Mexico. The best spots include Lighthouse Reef Atoll (Belize), Andros Barrier Reef (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas), Cozumel (Mexico), and Exuma Cays (Bahamas).

What is the best time to see the Stoplight Parrotfish?

The Stoplight Parrotfish can be seen all year round at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Andros Barrier Reef, Bimini, Cozumel, and Exuma Cays.

Where can you see the Stoplight Parrotfish in Belize?

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

Where can you see the Stoplight Parrotfish in Bahamas?

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

Where can you see the Stoplight Parrotfish in Mexico?

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

How big does the Stoplight Parrotfish get?

The Stoplight Parrotfish can reach up to 64 cm in length and 1.6 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Stoplight Parrotfish live in?

The Stoplight Parrotfish is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Stoplight Parrotfish live?

The Stoplight Parrotfish lives between 3 and 50 m deep.

What does the Stoplight Parrotfish eat?

Feeds on algae, seagrass and other plant matter.

When is the Stoplight 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 Stoplight Parrotfish live?

The Stoplight Parrotfish lives 7 to 30 years.

What is the conservation status of the Stoplight Parrotfish?

The Stoplight 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 Stoplight Parrotfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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