Midnight parrotfish
Scarus coelestinus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_parrotfish
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The midnight parrotfish faces severe population declines primarily due to overfishing throughout the Caribbean, where it is heavily targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries for its large size and palatability. Habitat degradation from coral bleaching, coastal development, and pollution has reduced the quality of coral reef ecosystems essential for feeding and reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures through ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures that damage the coral formations this species depends upon for algae grazing.
Habitat
The midnight parrotfish inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates in tropical western Atlantic waters, typically found at depths ranging from shallow reef flats to approximately 75 meters. This species prefers areas with abundant coral growth and algae-covered surfaces for grazing, particularly around reef slopes and drop-offs in the Caribbean Sea.
Other threatened species in Scaridae
Threatened in Antigua & Barbuda
Frequently asked questions
Why is Midnight parrotfish classified as Endangered?
Where does Midnight parrotfish live?
What are the main threats to Midnight parrotfish?
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