Our July Fish of the Month is the European Parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense!
Survey Regions: European Parrotfish are found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (EAM) survey region, including the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including Portugal, Azores and Madeira Islands, south to the Canary Islands and Senegal, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Click here to view a REEF distribution report for this species.
Size: They can grow to be about 20 inches/50 cm in length.
Identifying Features: Female European Parrotfish (pictured) are more colorful than males. They are bright red to brownish, with a large gray blotch on the front half of their body. They also have a yellow saddle on their tail base. Meanwhile, males are mostly gray and have a dark area behind their pectoral fin.
Fun Facts: European Parrotfish live in shallow areas with rocky, algae-covered bottoms. They feed on algae and small invertebrates. This species prefers warm water and has been observed expanding their range north throughout in the Mediterranean, possibly as a result of warming ocean temperatures. Want to learn more about the European Parrotfish? Tune in to our upcoming "Common Fishes of the Mediterranean" Fishinar on July 31. Visit www.REEF.org/fishinars or check out the online programs article in this issue for more details!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Christy Semmens.