Scarus guacamaia
Rainbow Parrotfish
Maximum Size:
4 ft (1.2 m)
Longevity:
Around 10 years
Typical depth:
10–82 ft (3–25 m)
Behavior:
The rainbow parrotfish is the largest herbivorous reef fish in the Caribbean. During the day, it feeds by biting off pieces of the reef in order to consume the plants, algae and small organisms contained within. Schooling may occur in areas where density is high.
Predators:
Grouper, eels, sharks and barracuda.
Did you know?
Large male rainbow parrotfish (known as terminal phase males) defend a territory and a harem of females. When the male dies, the most dominant female changes sex and takes over the territory – her ovaries literally become functional male testes.
