Sparisoma atomarium

Sparisoma atomarium, Greenblotch Parrotfish. Source: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16891444.
Sparisoma atomarium, Greenblotch Parrotfish.
Source: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16891444.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ScaridaeSparisoma atomarium(Poey)1861Greenblotch Parrotfish

All Sparisoma Species: Teeth fused to form beak-like plates, either with teeth visible on the margin or without individual teeth visible. Body depth contained 2.5-3 times in standard length. Jaws with underbite (front edge of lower jaw outside upper jaw when mouth is closed). Median predorsal scales 4.

Sparisoma atomarium

Unique Characteristics: No black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Gill rakers 10-16. Single median scale between pelvic fins on ventral surface near pelvic-fin base. Squarish dark blotch posterior to gill cover above pectoral-fin base.

Similar Species:

Redband Parrotfish, Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Sparisoma aurofrenatum, Redband Parrotfish. Source FAO 2002.
Sparisoma aurofrenatum, Redband Parrotfish.
Source FAO 2002.

Redband Parrotfish, Sparisoma aurofrenatum. No black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Gill rakers 10-16. Two midventral scales between pelvic fins on ventral surface near pelvic-fin base. Saddle-shaped white marking crossing dorsum immediately behind last dorsal ray; horizontally elongate white marking on center of operculum. Females with dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins red; males green with black margin on caudal fin and distinct line of orange color below eye

Redtail Parrotfish, Sparisoma chrysopterum

Sparisoma chrysopterum, Redtail Parrotfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Sparisoma chrysopterum, Redtail Parrotfish.
Source: FAO 2002.

Redtail Parrotfish, Sparisoma chrysopterum. A pronounced black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Pectoral fin entirely pale, clear in fresh specimens. Gill rakers 15-20. Fleshy flap from rim of anterior nostril usually simple and ribbon-like, sometimes with a fringe around extremity. Terminal males mainly green-blue; initial phase mottled reddish.

Bucktooth Parrotfish, Sparisoma radians

Sparisoma radians, Bucktooth Parrotfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Sparisoma radians, Bucktooth Parrotfish.
Source: FAO 2002.

Bucktooth Parrotfish, Sparisoma radians. No black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Gill rakers 10-16. Two midventral scales between pelvic fins on ventral surface near pelvic-fin base. Initial phase either striped with narrow dark lines on a lighter background, or mottled and non- descript; terminal male with black margin on caudal fin and blue stripe between mouth and eye

Yellowtail Parrotfish, Sparisoma rubripinne

Sparisoma rubripinne, Yellowtail Parrotfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Sparisoma rubripinne, Yellowtail Parrotfish.
Source: FAO 2002.

Yellowtail Parrotfish, Sparisoma rubripinne. A pronounced black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Pectoral fin dark except for pale tip. Gill rakers 12-16. Fleshy flap at rim of anterior nostril greatly subdivided. Terminal males greenish overall, most fresh specimens have a yellow caudal fin.

Stoplight Parrotfish, Sparisoma viride

Sparisoma viride, Stoplight Parrotfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Sparisoma viride, Stoplight Parrotfish.
Source: FAO 2002.

Stoplight Parrotfish, Sparisoma viride. No black spot at upper base of pectoral fin. Gill rakers 17-21. Initial-phase fish with a broad white bar basally on caudal fin; 3 rows of white spots on body; terminal males with round yellow spot above rear margin of gill cover.