Bucktooth Parrotfish

Sparisoma radians

The Bucktooth Parrotfish is a reef-associated fish found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from Bermuda and Florida to Brazil. It typically inhabits shallow waters, especially seagrass beds, at depths of 1 to 12 meters. This species is known for its distinctive front teeth, which resemble horizontal canine-like tusks, and its fusiform body shape. In its drab phase, the fish exhibits an olivaceous to yellowish brown color with pale speckles, while terminal-phase males are greenish brown with reddish-edged scales and unique orange-red markings. Divers may encounter the Bucktooth Parrotfish darting into seagrass when startled. It feeds primarily on epiphytes and seagrass blades, leaving characteristic crescent-shaped bite marks. The species is of potential interest for fisheries and is also found in the aquarium trade. However, there have been reports of ciguatera poisoning associated with this fish. The Bucktooth Parrotfish is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers observing this fish can expect to see it in protected, shallow waters, often in seagrass beds where it grazes. Its behavior is generally shy, making close encounters a bit challenging.