Redband Parrotfish (Initial phase)

Description

This species grows to 28 cm.

Initial phase

During the initial phase, the colouration varies greatly from blue-green to green to solid olive. The fins are mottled brown to red and have two white stripes. Behind the dorsal fin, a white spot is present.

Juvenile phase

The body of juvenile specimens are shades of red-brown. Normally, two white stripes will be visible with a black blotch present behind the upper gill covers. A white spot will also be present behind the dorsal fin.

During both the juvenile and initial phases, colouration and markings can change quickly.

Terminal phase

The body becomes greenish during the terminal phase. The underside will appear lighter and the anal fin becomes reddish. The tail becomes more square-shaped with black outer tips. The upper portion of the forebody will display a small, yellow blotch with at least two small black dots.

Normally, an orangish-pink colour band will be present starting from below the eye along to the corner of the mouth. A white spot will appear behind the dorsal fin.

Distribution

This species occurs throughout the Caribbean Sea, and the western Atlantic Ocean in the waters of Bermuda, Florida, the Bahamas to Central America and Brazil.

Habitat

Sparisoma aurofrenatum lives on reefs in depths of 2 to 20 metres. The juveniles live among seagrass beds.

Behaviour

Sparisoma aurofrenatum is solitary or found in small groups. It may found resting on the bottom. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite.

While swimming about reefs, this fish will use only its pectoral fins. Only when requiring a sudden burst of speed will it use its tail.

Specimens may be seen defecating frequently, which appears as a white cloud as it is mostly composed of coral limestone.

Diet

Sparisoma aurofrenatum is a herbivore, feeding on algae and polyps it scrapes from rocks and coral using its 'beak'.