Loosetooth Parrotfish

Nicholsina denticulata

The Loosetooth Parrotfish is a reef-associated fish found in the Eastern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of California to Ecuador and northern Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, particularly favoring rocky coasts with abundant macroalgae. Divers can spot these fish at depths between 1 and 11 meters, where they are often seen either swimming alone or in loose schools. This species feeds primarily on algae, which it obtains by scraping or breaking off pieces of the reef. The Loosetooth Parrotfish plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling algal growth. For divers encountering the Loosetooth Parrotfish, it is considered harmless and poses no threat to humans. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.