|
|
Related FAQs: Marine Life of the Tropical West
Atlantic, Tropical West Atlantic 2,
Related Articles: TWA Invertebrates, Algae,
Vascular Plants, Introduction to
Fishwatcher's Guide Series Pieces/Sections,
Lachnolaimus maxiumus/Hogfish,
Hogfishes of the Genus Bodianus,
The Tropical West Atlantic: Bahamas to Brazil, Part 8
To: Part 1,
Part 2, Part 3,
Part 4, Part 5,
Part 6, Part 7,
Part 9, Part 10,
Part 11, |
|
| Bob Fenner | |
Parrotfishes, Family Scaridae. A few TWA parrotfishes are employed
in the trade, but most should not be. Most specimens adjust poorly to
captivity, dying from hunger and "depression" in the corner of a distant
aquarium. Of the few species of this wrasse-related family that survive
in any numbers in aquarium settings (given the selection of a healthy,
well-adjusted, small size individual), two hail from our topic area.
These are the Striped, Scarus croicensis (3) and Princess Parrot, S.
taeniopterus (3). Unfortunately, good numbers of Redband, Sparisoma
aurofrenatum (3), and Stoplight Parrots, S. viride (3), among other
"misc." colored and not Caribbean Parrots are sold in the trade. These
algae and coral eaters should be left in the ocean. Ecotype: Found
swimming around rocks and the coral heads they scrape for food. |
Scarus coelestinus Valenciennes 1840, the Midnight Parrotfish.
Western Atlantic; Bermuda to Brazil. To thirty one inches in length.
A beautiful one here in Bonaire. | 
|
|
Scarus coeruleus (Bloch 1796), the Blue Parrotfish. Western
Atlantic; Maryland to Brazil, West Indies. To nearly four feet in
length. Bahamas and Cozumel pix. |  
|
|
Scarus guacamaia Cuvier 1829, the Rainbow Parrotfish. Western
Atlantic; Bermuda, Florida to Argentina, northern part of the Gulf
of Mexico. To nearly four feet in length. Bahamas and Tobago pix of
terminal males. |  
|
|
Scarus taeniopterus Desmarest 1831, the Princess Parrotfish.
Western Atlantic; Bermuda to Brazil. To fourteen inches overall
length. Likely the most commonly utilized species (of only a
handful) used in the ornamental trade of this family. Due to better
collection, holding and shipping more arrive in good condition and
live. Though most are dead within a month of collection. Juvenile,
initial and terminal phase individuals in Cancun (first) and Bahamas
shown. |
|
Scarus vetula Bloch & Schneider 1801, the Queen Parrotfish. Western
Atlantic; Bermuda to Argentina. To two feet in length. A smaller species
that occasionally makes its way into pet-fish markets. Bahamas pix of an
initial phase and profile of a terminal one. |  
|
|
Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Valenciennes 1840), the Redband
Parrotfish. Western Atlantic; Bermudas to Brazil. To eleven inches
in length. An occasional pet-fish import. Does as well as any other
Parrotfish... i.e. not well in captivity. Shown below: juvenile,
initial (and mottled one from Cozumel) and terminal phase
individuals from the Bahamas. |
|
Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre 1798), the Spotlight Parrotfish.
Tropical West Atlantic; Florida to Brazil. To twenty five inches maximum
length. Pictured below, juvenile, initial and terminal phase specimens
in the Bahamas. |
Jawfishes, Opistognathidae, are abundant species in the TWA (12
described species, plus 7 to be). Three of these substrate dwellers are
utilized in our interest. The Yellowhead Jawfish, Opistognathus
aurifrons (2); Dusky Jawfish, O. whitehurst (2); and Longjaw Jawfish, O.
macrognathus (2) all make suitable tankmates for any variety of peaceful
marine aquarium. Most are lost from JUMPING OUT; keep your top entirely
covered. Ecotype: Sandy to gravelly substrate habitats. |
Opistognathus aurifrons (Jordan & Thompson 1905), the Pearly or
Yellow Head Jawfish is one of the most popular aquarium fishes
collected in the tropical west Atlantic. It deserves it's status as
the most collected and used Jawfish species; being a light blue
anteriorly, grading to creamy white and yellow toward the rear half,
and spending more time outside of it's tunnels than other jaws once
established. To four inches in length. Note gravel at wholesalers in
this image. | 
|
|
Opistognathus macrognathos Poey 1863, the Banded Jawfish.
Tropical west Atlantic. To eight inches in length. Here doing what
the family does most all the time. Lie in wait for a food item or
territorial challenger to come/happen by. Photo taken in St. Lucia,
Caribbean. | 
|
To: Part 1, Part 2,
Part 3, Part 4, Part
5, Part 6, Part 7,
Part 9, Part 10,
Part 11,
|
|
