Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Sparisoma aurofrenatum (common names: redband parrotfish, gutong, rainbow parrot, black parrot, and blisterside,[1] is a species of parrotfish native to the Caribbean Sea and Western Atlantic Ocean.[3]

Sparisoma aurofrenatum
Female specimen, initial colour phase
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Labriformes
Family: Scaridae
Genus: Sparisoma
Species:
S. aurofrenatum
Binomial name
Sparisoma aurofrenatum
(Valenciennes, 1840)
Synonyms[2]
  • Scarus aurofrenatus Valenciennes, 1840
  • Scarus distinctus Poey, 1861
  • Sparisoma distinctum (Poey, 1861)

Description

This species grows to 28 cm.

Initial phase

During the initial phase, the colouration varies greatly from blue-green to green to solid olive. The fins are mottled brown to red and have two white stripes. Behind the dorsal fin, a white spot is present.[4]

Juvenile phase

The body of juvenile specimens are shades of red-brown. Normally, two white stripes will be visible with a black blotch present behind the upper gill covers. A white spot will also be present behind the dorsal fin.

During both the juvenile and initial phases, colouration and markings can change quickly.[4]

Terminal phase

The body becomes greenish during the terminal phase. The underside will appear lighter and the anal fin becomes reddish. The tail becomes more square-shaped with black outer tips. The upper portion of the forebody will display a small, yellow blotch with at least two small black dots.

Normally, an orangish-pink[5] colour band will be present starting from below the eye along to the corner of the mouth. A white spot will appear behind the dorsal fin.[4]

Distribution

This species occurs throughout the Caribbean Sea, and the western Atlantic Ocean in the waters of Bermuda, Florida, the Bahamas to Central America and Brazil.[2]

Habitat

Sparisoma aurofrenatum lives on reefs in depths of 2 to 20 metres.[2] The juveniles live among seagrass beds.[6]

Behaviour

Sparisoma aurofrenatum is solitary or found in small groups. It may found resting on the bottom. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite.[2]

While swimming about reefs, this fish will use only its pectoral fins. Only when requiring a sudden burst of speed will it use its tail.[4]

Specimens may be seen defecating frequently, which appears as a white cloud as it is mostly composed of coral limestone.[4]

Diet

Sparisoma aurofrenatum is a herbivore, feeding on algae and polyps it scrapes from rocks and coral using its 'beak'.[7]

References
  1. Rocha, L.A.; Choat, J.H.; Clements, K.D.; et al. (2012). "Sparisoma aurofrenatum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T190729A17780851. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T190729A17780851.en. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2019). "Sparisoma aurofrenatum" in FishBase. December 2019 version.
  3. "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Valenciennes, 1840)". Marinespecies.org. 2008-01-15. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  4. "Marine Species Identification Portal : Redband parrotfish - Sparisoma aurofrenatum". Species-identification.org. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  5. "Sparisoma aurofrenatum - Redband parrotfish". Aquafind.com. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  6. "View Sparisoma aurofrenatum". Saltcorner.com. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  7. "Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute-Sparisoma aurofrenatum". Biogeodb.stri.si.edu. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
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