Home › Species › Fish › Redtail parrotfish

Redtail parrotfish (Sparisoma chrysopterum)

Key facts

Scientific name
Sparisoma chrysopterum
Common name
Redtail parrotfish
Category
Fish
Family
Labridae
Genus
Sparisoma
Size
25–46 cm
Depth
1–30 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef, seagrass
Behaviours
solitary, schooling, grazer
Ocean zones
Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Sparisoma chrysopterum reaches 46 cm. Caribbean parrotfish with dimorphism. Terminal males bright blue-green with yellow-orange tail (hence chrysopterum, golden wings) and distinctive black-white spot on pectoral fin base. Females red-brown spotted, more discreet. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives from 1 to 30 m on coral reefs and seagrass of Caribbean. Herbivore grazing algae. Coral bioerosion contributor. Appreciated photo subject for its color contrasts.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Redtail parrotfish?
Redtail parrotfish (Sparisoma chrysopterum) reaches 25–46 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Redtail parrotfish?
Redtail parrotfish is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Redtail parrotfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Redtail parrotfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Redtail parrotfish?
Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Sparisoma

  • Sparisoma cretense - Mediterranean parrotfish
  • Sparisoma viride - Stoplight parrotfish
  • Sparisoma rubripinne - Yellowtail parrotfish
  • Sparisoma strigatum - Cape Verde parrotfish
  • Sparisoma atomarium - Atomium Parrotfish
  • Sparisoma radians - Radiant Parrotfish

Other species in the family Labridae

  • Cheilinus undulatus - Humphead wrasse
  • Labrus bergylta - Ballan Wrasse
  • Symphodus mediterraneus - Axillary wrasse
  • Symphodus rostratus - Pointed-snout wrasse
  • Symphodus ocellatus - Ocellated wrasse
  • Coris julis - Mediterranean rainbow wrasse

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 273774)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2393900)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia