Sparisoma
Sparisoma is a genus of fish belonging to the family Scaridae, commonly known as parrotfish. This genus comprises 24 species found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Common Names
Parrotfish in this genus are commonly referred to as "stoplight parrotfish," "princess parrotfish," "bluehead parrotfish," and "midnight parrotfish," among other names. These names often reflect the distinctive coloration patterns of individual species.
Characteristics
Sparisoma species exhibit several characteristic features:
- Fused teeth: Their teeth are fused into a beak-like structure used for scraping algae off rocks and coral.
- Scales: They have relatively large scales, often with a distinct pattern.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Most species exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males displaying brighter coloration and larger sizes than females.
- Color Transformation: Some species undergo dramatic color changes as they mature, often transitioning from a female-like coloration to a vibrant male coloration.
Environments
Sparisoma species typically inhabit coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. They are often found in shallow waters but can also inhabit deeper environments.
References
For more information on Sparisoma, refer to the following sources: