Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Valenciennes, 1840)
Redband parrotfish
Sparisoma aurofrenatum
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae
Max. size:  28 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: throughout the Caribbean Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Adults of both sexes have distinct white spot behind base of dorsal fin; super males with red line from corner of mouth to below back of eye; and 2 or more jet-black spots on side above pectoral fin (Ref. 26938). The smaller color phase is brown or greenish brown with a dark blue cast on the back and sides, becoming red ventrally (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs, young usually in adjacent seagrass beds. Often rests on the bottom (Ref. 9710). Feeds on plants. Solitary or in small groups. A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 55367).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
Country info:   
 


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