Parrotfish

The Parrotfish is abundant and native to our waters and is one of the most famous fish on our island due to its appreciated taste and gourmet use in dishes. Its breeding season begins in July and ends around late September. The length of this fish can exceed 40 centimeters, but usually ranges between 10 and 25 centimeters. It is caught using static nets, traps, rods, and spearguns. 

It is a bottom-dwelling species and is found in areas with Posidonia oceanica, on sandy and muddy substrates, and also on rocky bottoms, not far from the coast, at depths between 1 and 50 meters. It feeds on small invertebrates, algae, and seaweed. As shown in the pictures, the male and female differ morphologically, exhibiting sexual dimorphism with red males and grey/ purple females.

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method, as well as buying this species outside of its spawning period. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries.