Redband Parrotfish

The Redband Parrotfish (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) is a small, common Caribbean parrotfish known for its highly variable coloration and its ability to change patterns quickly. Terminal-phase males are greenish with a reddish band from the mouth and a small yellow spot over a dark blotch behind the pectoral fin, while initial-phase fish are mottled reddish-brown, often with white marks. It grazes algae from reef and seagrass and, like all parrotfish, contributes to reef sand production. Its small size and shoulder spot help distinguish it from larger parrotfish.

Look for these Redband Parrotfish features:

• Terminal males: mottled green with a reddish band near the mouth and a yellow spot over a dark blotch behind the pectoral fin.
• Initial phase: mottled reddish-brown, sometimes with a pale saddle or white belly.
• Small parrotfish, ~15-28 cm, able to change pattern rapidly.

The yellow-and-dark shoulder mark on green males is the key cue.

Redband Parrotfish inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and seagrass beds from the shallows to about 20 m throughout the western Atlantic and Caribbean. They are common on shallow reefs with algal turf and adjacent seagrass, where they graze, and tend to stay close to structure for shelter.

Redband Parrotfish graze algae from reef rock, dead coral, and seagrass by day, and are known to rapidly change colour and pattern in response to mood and surroundings. They are usually solitary or in small groups. At night some parrotfish, including this genus, may rest in the open or in crevices. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, with terminal males courting and spawning with females.