Parrot fish are a family of colorful fish that are named for their parrot-like beaked mouths. They are some of the most iconic and vibrantly colored fish that inhabit coral reefs around the world. But what exactly are parrot fish called? Here we will explore the different names used for these beautiful reef fish.
Scientific Name
The parrot fish belong to the family Scaridae in the order Perciformes. This includes around 90 species across 10 genera. Some of the most common parrot fish genera include:
- Scarus – Many of the large parrot fish species belong to this genus, like the queen parrot fish.
- Sparisoma – Smaller parrot fish like the bucktooth parrot fish are in this genus.
- Cetoscarus – The bicolour parrot fish is the sole species in this genus.
- Chlorurus – This genus includes parrot fish like the Pacific steephead parrot fish.
The scientific names for individual parrot fish species can be quite a mouthful. For example, the queen parrot fish has the scientific name Scarus vetula. Other examples include:
- Sparisoma viride – Stoplight parrot fish
- Scarus ghobban – Blue-barred parrot fish
- Chlorurus microrhinos – Pacific steephead parrot fish
While parrot fish have formal scientific names used by scientists and researchers, most people use common names to identify these fish in everyday settings.
Common Names
There are many common names used for the various parrot fish species found around coral reefs globally. Here are some of the most frequently used common names:
Parrot Fish
The most general common name used to refer to these fish is simply “parrot fish.” This umbrella term can be used to describe any of the fish in the Scaridae family.
Names Describing Appearance
Many parrot fish get their common names from their vibrant colors and distinct looks. Some examples include:
- Queen parrot fish – Named for its bright colors
- Bucktooth parrot fish – Named for its prominent beak
- Blue-barred parrot fish – Describes the blue lines on its body
- Pacific steephead parrot fish – Refers to its steep forehead profile
Location-Based Names
Sometimes parrot fish get common names based on where they are found. A few examples:
- Mexican parrot fish
- Galapagos parrot fish
- Indian parrot fish
Names Focusing on Size
The size of parrot fish can also be incorporated into their common names. For instance:
- Princess parrot fish – For large species
- Dwarf parrot fish – For smaller species
Regional and Local Names
In different parts of the world, parrot fish can go by completely unique local or regional names. Here are some examples:
- Loro – Common name used in the Philippines
- Perroquet – French name for parrot fish
- Papagalo – Portuguese name meaning “parrot”
- Paletón – Common name used in Costa Rica
People may also use descriptive names in local dialects like “big-nosed fish” or “colorful reef fish.” These hyper-local names capture the characteristic features of parrot fish in a specific area.
Importance of Parrot Fish Names
The wide range of names for parrot fish highlights their diversity and global distribution across tropical and sub-tropical coral reefs. Having distinct names for parrot fish species allows people to communicate effectively about these reef fish, whether for research, fishing industry applications, or educating the general public.
Standardized common names help reduce confusion when identifying different parrot fish types across regions and languages. The uniqueness of local and indigenous names also shows the cultural significance of parrot fish worldwide.
Conclusion
Parrot fish go by many names. Their scientific names categorize them taxonomically but can be complex. Easy-to-use common names based on appearance, geography, and other features are popular in everyday settings. Parrot fish also have a myriad of regional and indigenous names that reflect local cultures and languages.
No matter what they are called, parrot fish remain some of the ocean’s most vibrantly colored, ecologically important, and widely recognized reef fish. Their diversity of names mirrors the diversity of species and their global distribution in warming, tropical waters.
Name Type | Examples |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Scarus vetula, Sparisoma viride, Chlorurus microrhinos |
Common Name | Parrot fish, queen parrot fish, bluebarred parrot fish |
Location Name | Mexican parrot fish, Galapagos parrot fish |
Descriptive Name | Bucktooth parrot fish, steephead parrot fish |
Local/Regional Name | Loro, paletón, papagalo |
In summary, the wide range of names for parrot fish, from formal scientific names to localized colloquial terms, reflects the diversity and global significance of these iconic coral reef fish. Their bright colors and distinct features have earned them a variety of creative names to identify the many species found across tropical oceans worldwide.