Parrotfish are some of the most unique among the many species of fish on our precious reef. Named for their vibrant, parrot-like colors and their beak-like dentition, they belong to the Scaridae family. There are currently around 80 identified species, each with its own distinct appearance!
The Spotlight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is easily recognizable by its vibrant blue, green and pinkish colors, beak-like mouth, and a prominent white spot behind the pectoral fin. It features large scales, elongated dorsal and anal fins with striking patterns, and a robust body that can grow up to 50 cm long. They primarily feed on algae covering the reef’s hard surfaces. If you get close, you might spot their algae mustaches, a quirky result of their beaks scraping away at their favorite snacks. These fish use their beak to munch through dead corals and rocks, and their teeth are made of fluorapatite, one of the hardest biominerals in nature. While fluorapatite isn’t harder than metals like gold, copper, or silver, its incredible durability makes it perfect for their coral-crushing diet.
Behavior
The Spotlight Parrotfish is a social species that often swims in large schools, and it's common to see them close to divers as they go about their daily reef routines. They’re quite territorial, aggressively protecting their feeding spots from other fish. Their grazing on algae is vital for reef health, as it prevents algal overgrowth and supports coral growth.
Parrotfish also play an important role in sand production. Their diet, which mainly consists of algae and coral, involves grinding up coral into tiny particles. These particles eventually become part of the reef’s sand, with a single parrotfish potentially contributing around one ton of sand each year.
Predators
The Spotlight Parrotfish faces threats from various marine predators, including larger fish like groupers and snappers, as well as apex predators like sharks. Despite their vibrant appearance and strong beaks, they rely on their agility and schooling behavior to evade these dangers. At night, however, the Spotlight Parrotfish secretes a protective mucus cocoon from its mouth, creating a shield around itself. This clever adaptation masks its scent from predators and provides a barrier against parasites, helping it avoid detection by nighttime predators and stay safe while it sleeps.
Reproduction
In the world of The Spotlight Parrotfish, dominant males run their own harem, with several females in their group. These top males get the best spots on the reef and show off during spawning to attract the ladies. When the time comes, females lay their eggs, and males release their sperm into the water to fertilize them. After the eggs are fertilized, the males guard their territory to keep competitors away.
Where to find The Spotlight Parrotfish on Koh Tao
Spotlight Parrotfish can be spotted at nearly all dive sites on Koh Tao., if you're hoping to witness larger groups in action, Check out these dive sites:
