Fin's Fish Guide
The Dark green parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a saltwater fish of the family Scaridae that grows up to 64 cm.
Description
The stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a large parrotfish of the family Scaridae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species has a powerful, beak-like mouth of fused teeth and can reach about 64 cm. The colour changes strongly with life stage: females and juveniles are red-brown with a red belly, while terminal-phase males are bright green with yellow and orange marks near the head and tail. It lives on clear coral reefs and feeds mainly on soft algae, also rasping live coral and thereby producing much reef sediment (sand). The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dark green parrotfish?
The Dark green parrotfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Strong colour change per life stage; protogynous hermaphrodite that produces a lot of sand by grazing the reef. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Dark green parrotfish live?
The Dark green parrotfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Coral reefs of the western Atlantic and the Caribbean.
How big does the Dark green parrotfish get?
The Dark green parrotfish grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 38 cm.
Is the Dark green parrotfish dangerous to humans?
The Dark green parrotfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fish is harmless to handle. There are reports of ciguatera poisoning after eating it; in case of tingling, nausea, vomiting or reversed hot-cold sensation, seek medical help.
Is the Dark green parrotfish edible?
The Dark green parrotfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Dark green parrotfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dark green parrotfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.