Rainbow parrotfish
Scarus guacamaia
Sighting evidence at Pompidou, Guadeloupe
The rainbow parrotfish is the largest herbivore on Caribbean reefs and a keystone species for reef structure: its beak-like fused teeth scrape algae from dead coral rock, and its digestive process produces the fine white sand that forms Caribbean beaches. Terminal-phase males can exceed a metre in length and display vivid turquoise, green, and orange coloration. Their populations have declined sharply outside reserves due to spearfishing, making the Cousteau Reserve a critical refuge.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Rainbow parrotfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.