Eclipse Parrotfish

Scarus russelii

Eclipse Parrotfish are found in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, from the coasts of East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius, to southern India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand's Similan Island. They inhabit shallow coastal reefs and outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 6 to 15 meters. These parrotfish can grow up to 51 cm in length and weigh as much as 1.1 kg. They are characterized by their distinct dorsal and anal fin structures, with 9 dorsal spines, 10 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 9 anal soft rays. These fish are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae by grazing on sand or coral rubble. Eclipse Parrotfish are generally solitary creatures, often seen alone rather than in schools. During breeding, they exhibit distinct pairing behavior and are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. While they are wary and may be challenging to approach, they are commonly found in local markets. Divers encountering Eclipse Parrotfish can expect to see them grazing along the reefs, usually alone. Their conservation status is listed as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. However, their presence in some areas, such as Somalia, remains to be confirmed.