Rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 3–25 m.
Scientific name: Scarus guacamaia · Water: Saltwater, Brackish
Size: up to 120 cm
The rainbow parrotfish is a scarid that inhabits coral reefs, with young fish commonly found in mangrove areas. It feeds mainly on benthic algae, and it is known to have a home cave to which it retires at night or when danger threatens, using the sun as an aid to locating the cave. Maximum length is about 120 cm total length, commonly about 70 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 42 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as near threatened.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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