Sparisoma aurofrenatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sparisoma aurofrenatum |
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The redband parrotfish (scientific name: Sparisoma aurofrenatum) is a colorful fish. People also call it the rainbow parrot or black parrot. It lives in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean. This fish is known for its changing colors as it grows.
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About the Redband Parrotfish
This fish can grow up to about 28 centimeters (11 inches) long. Like many parrotfish, its colors change a lot during its life. This is called a "phase."
Young Fish (Juvenile Phase)
When redband parrotfish are young, their bodies are reddish-brown. They usually have two white stripes. You might also see a black spot behind their upper gills. A white spot is also present behind their top fin (dorsal fin).
Growing Up (Initial Phase)
As they get a bit older, their colors can change a lot. They might be blue-green, green, or solid olive. Their fins can look mottled (patchy) brown to red. They also have two white stripes on their fins. A white spot is still visible behind their dorsal fin. During both the juvenile and initial phases, their colors can change very quickly.
Adult Fish (Terminal Phase)
When they reach their adult phase, their bodies become greenish. Their underside looks lighter. The fin on their belly (anal fin) turns reddish. Their tail becomes more square-shaped. The outer tips of the tail are black. On the upper part of their front body, there is a small yellow patch. This patch usually has at least two small black dots. An orangish-pink band often runs from below the eye to the corner of the mouth. The white spot behind the dorsal fin is still there.
Where Redband Parrotfish Live
You can find the redband parrotfish all over the Caribbean Sea. They also live in the western Atlantic Ocean. This includes places like Bermuda, Florida, the Bahamas, and down to Central America and Brazil.
Redband Parrotfish Homes (Habitat)
These fish live on coral reefs. They are usually found in water that is 2 to 20 meters (6 to 65 feet) deep. Young redband parrotfish like to live among seagrass beds.
How Redband Parrotfish Behave
Redband parrotfish can be found alone or in small groups. Sometimes, you might see them resting on the ocean floor. They are also special because they can change their sex. They are usually born female and can later change into males. This is called being a "protogynous hermaphrodite."
When swimming around reefs, these fish mostly use their side fins (pectoral fins). They only use their tail for a sudden burst of speed. You might also see them frequently releasing white clouds. This cloud is mostly made of coral limestone. It's what's left after they eat algae from the coral.
What Redband Parrotfish Eat (Diet)
The redband parrotfish is a herbivore. This means it eats plants. It feeds on algae and tiny animals called polyps. It scrapes these off rocks and coral using its strong, beak-like mouth.
