About Sparisoma cretense (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomy and Naming
Mediterranean parrotfish, whose scientific name is Sparisoma cretense, is a species of parrotfish.
Depth and Distribution Range
It can be found at depths up to 50 meters (160 feet) along rocky shores in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, spanning from Portugal south to Senegal.
Regional Population Abundance
This species is generally common across most of its range, but it is uncommon or rare, and even locally absent, in the northwestern Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea.
Range Expansion Drivers
Mediterranean parrotfish prefer relatively warm water temperatures, and the species is currently undergoing a northward range expansion, which is potentially linked to global warming.
Adult Habitat
The primary habitat for adult individuals is rocky reefs, especially areas that contain macroalgae, but the fish may also visit adjacent seagrass patches.
Juvenile Habitat
Juvenile Mediterranean parrotfish are found more broadly in these seagrass patches.
Commercial Significance
In some parts of its range, it is a commercially important food fish.
Conservation Status
While certain populations have been impacted by fishing pressure, the species is not classified as threatened.
Research Focus
It has been the subject of detailed study in parts of its range, including the Azores.
