Where are parrotfish commonly found?

Parrotfish occur on coral reefs, rocky coasts, and in seagrass beds, with highest species richness in the Indo-Pacific.

Why are they called parrotfish?

They are named for their mouths, which resemble a parrot's beak.

What ecological role do parrotfish play?

Parrotfish feed in ways that erode coral and rock, a process known as bioerosion, and this activity contributes to sand production.

How many species of parrotfish are there?

There are roughly 95 species in the parrotfish clade.

Are parrotfish a distinct family?

Parrotfish were formerly treated as their own family (Scaridae) but are now classified as the subfamily Scarinae within the wrasse family Labridae due to genetic studies.

Do parrotfish eat coral?

Yes; their feeding can remove coral and rock material, contributing to bioerosion.

Do parrotfish create sand?

Parrotfish feeding activity is often attributed to enriching sand content on the surrounding ocean floor.

Where is their greatest species richness?

The group's largest species richness is in the Indo-Pacific.

Where to See Parrotfish While Diving

Parrotfish are a clade of fishes placed in the subfamily Scarinae of the wrasse family (Labridae). They were formerly treated as their own family, Scaridae, but genetic studies placed them within the wrasses. The group includes roughly 95 species, with greatest species richness in the Indo-Pacific. Parrotfishes are found in coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds. They feed in a way that can erode coral and rock, contributing to bioerosion and increasing sand on the surrounding ocean floor.

Feed by scraping or biting coral, rock, and associated organisms; this feeding contributes to bioerosion and sand production.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Caye Caulker, Mahé, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Belize and countries such as Belize, Seychelles, Honduras for divers building trips around parrotfish.