Fin's Fish Guide
The Bucktooth parrotfish (Sparisoma radians) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean, from Florida and Bermuda to Brazil, on seagrass and reef bottoms.
Description
The bucktooth parrotfish is a small parrotfish of the family Scaridae reaching about 20 cm. Like other parrotfishes it has teeth fused into a sturdy beak, with which it grazes seagrass and the algae growing on it. The colour is variable, greenish to brown and mottled; the species has several colour phases and is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with females able to change into brightly coloured males. It lives on shallow seagrass and reef bottoms of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. By day it grazes calmly over the seagrass; at night it rests among the plants. Because of its small size it is of little fishery importance, but as a grazer it helps keep seagrass beds healthy.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bucktooth parrotfish?
The Bucktooth parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a marbled pattern. Parrotfish with teeth fused into a beak with which it grazes seagrass; protogynous hermaphrodite with different colour phases. Caution: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Bucktooth parrotfish live?
The Bucktooth parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean, from Florida and Bermuda to Brazil, on seagrass and reef bottoms.
How big does the Bucktooth parrotfish get?
The Bucktooth parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Bucktooth parrotfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bucktooth parrotfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bucktooth parrotfish edible?
The Bucktooth parrotfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sparisoma
More from the family Scaridae
Want the complete picture on the Bucktooth parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bucktooth parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.