Sparisoma cretense (Linnaeus, 1758)
Parrotfish
Sparisoma cretense
photo by Minguell, C.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 50 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal, Azores and Madeira south to the Canary Islands and Senegal. Mediterranean Sea: more common in the eastern and southern coasts.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  In shallow water along rocky shores. Feed on algae and small invertebrates (Ref. 6761, 56146). Herbivore species with specialized pharyngeal bones and muscles (Ref. 52194, 52195). Breeding occurs from July to September, with juveniles recruiting in late summer in Portugal (Ref. 56146).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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