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Parrot sand bass (Paralabrax loro) — Serranidae

Parrot sand bass

Paralabrax loro
Family: Serranidae

The Parrot sand bass (Paralabrax loro) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
38 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

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Description

The Parrot sand bass is a sand bass (Serranidae) from coastal and reef water of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with fine spots or stripes and a large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among rocks, kelp and coral and seizes fish and crustaceans. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Parrot sand bass?

The Parrot sand bass has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Parrot sand bass live?

The Parrot sand bass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others

How big does the Parrot sand bass get?

The Parrot sand bass grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the Parrot sand bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Parrot sand bass is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Parrot sand bass sourced
Scientific name
Paralabrax loro
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Parrot sand bass verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
38.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Paralabrax

More from the family Serranidae

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