Redfin/Yellowtail Parrotfish Terminal phase

Description:

Juveniles and adults in drab phase (which are either mature males or females) are light grayish brown, nearly white ventrally; alternate dark and pale bars cross the chin; caudal peduncle and fin yellow; anal and pelvic fins red. Terminal phase males are dull green or blue-green with a large black spot on upper half of pectoral fin base; pectoral fins dark olive, the outer fifth abruptly pale.

Habitat:

Hunting Cay, Belize

Notes:

Parrotfish are hermaphrodites and live in harems with a dominant male. They are not territorial and live in harmony with other species, often found feeding together. They have teeth that are fused into powerful beaks which are used for grabbing filamentous algae from dead coral, often found feeding in a cloud of sediment. They are brightly coloured and change dramatically from juvenile to adult. At night Parrotfish make sleeping bags out of slimy bubbles for protection against predators.