Fin's Fish Guide
The Parrot seaperch (Callanthias ruber) is a saltwater fish of the family Callanthiidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, above rocky and gravel bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
Description
The parrot seaperch is a vividly coloured perch-like fish of the family Callanthiidae reaching about 60 cm, though it usually stays smaller. The body is red to pink with yellow tints and ends in a deeply forked tail with elongated tips, giving the fish a graceful look. Unlike many coastal perches the species lives fairly deep: above rocky and gravel bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and slope of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often around the Macaronesian islands. In small groups it hovers above the bottom and picks zooplankton and small crustaceans from the water. Because of its deep lifestyle it is rarely seen by divers, though it sometimes comes up as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Parrot seaperch?
The Parrot seaperch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Brightly coloured, pinkish red perch-like fish with yellow tints and a deeply forked tail with elongated tips; lives deeper near rocky bottoms.
Where does the Parrot seaperch live?
The Parrot seaperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, above rocky and gravel bottoms of the deeper continental shelf and the slope.
How big does the Parrot seaperch get?
The Parrot seaperch grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Parrot seaperch dangerous to humans?
No, the Parrot seaperch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Parrot seaperch edible?
The Parrot seaperch is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callanthias
More from the family Callanthiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Parrot seaperch is one of 12,519 species in the app.