Perciformes (perc- ‘perch’ iformes- ‘form)
Scaridae (parrotfish)
Taxonomy: Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Perciformes
Suborder Labroidei
Family Scaridae
10 Genera ~90 species
There is also debate about whether Scaridae is truly a family, or actually a subfamily in the
family of Larbidae. However, the phylogenetic analysis is still ongoing so they can be referred to
as either Scaridae or Scarinae.
Description: Parrotfish get their name from the way their teeth align to form a ‘beak’. This style
allows them to scarp algae off the sides of coral. Most species are very colorful and are common
in tropical areas. The average size is between 1-2 feet, but a few species can grow up to 4.
Another common characteristic among scarides is the ability to excrete mucus, which they use to
cover themselves before falling asleep.
Habitat: Shallow tropical reefs
Distribution: All over the world, but they are most specious in the Indo-Pacific
Ecology and Life Cycle: Males defend a harem of females and they spawn by releasing both
eggs and sperm into the water column. The eggs settle into the coral until they hatch, and the
juveniles feed off of the coral right near them till they grow. As the juveniles grow larger they
maintain very dull colors until sexual maturity. Depending on the species they then mature into a
female form before eventually switching to a final male state. Their colors continue to change
depending on their life stage.
Additional Details: Because they eat the algae and other fauna that lives on coral they play a
large role in preventing bioerosion of reefs. Almost all species are sequential hermaphrodites
where they start out as females and then switch to males.
Research: Pinca, S., M. Kronen, et al. 2012. Relative importance of habitat and fishing in
influencing reef fish communities across seventeen Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Fish
and Fisheries 13:361-379.
References Used:
Westneat, M. W. and M. E. Alfaro (2005). "Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of the
reef fish family Labridae." Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 36(2): 201-428.
Choat, J.H. & Bellwood, D.R. (1998). Paxton, J.R. & Eschmeyer, W.N.. ed. Encyclopedia of Fishes. San
Diego: Academic Press. pp. 209–211. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.