Author: (Bonnaterre, 1788)
FBname: Stoplight parrotfish
Comments: Inhabits coral reefs with clear water (Ref. 13628).  Young may be found in seagrass beds and other heavily vegetated bottoms.  Feeds mainly on soft algae, but has been observed to graze on live corals like, <i>Montastraea annularis</i> (Ref. 6496).  Produces a significant amount of sediment through bioerosion using its strong beak-like jaws and constantly re-growing teeth (Ref. 6485).  Protogynous; strictly diurnal, spends the night sleeping on the bottom (Ref. 5221).  Found singly or small in small groups.