Sparisoma cretense

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Mediterranean parrotfish
French : Poisson perroquet méditerranéen

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Eupercaria i. s. (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Scaridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 50 cm, males being bigger than females. Elongated head with slightly convex forehead. Coloration bright red to dark red, adults having a black cap (edged yellow and sometimes appearing dark green).

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to Senegal and Mediterranean sea, mostly near eastern and southern shores. Lives in shallow waters along rocky shores, down to depth from 20 to 50 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is fairly common around its range and may expend its range with global warming. It faces no known threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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