The Queen Parrotfish (Scarus vetula) is a vibrant, reef-dwelling species found primarily in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea. Recognizable by their brilliant blue-green coloration and beak-like teeth, these herbivorous fish play a crucial ecological role in maintaining coral reef health by grazing on algae. The Queen Parrotfish is targeted by small-scale, artisanal fisheries rather than large commercial operations. The top countries involved in harvesting this species are primarily Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, where parrotfish are both consumed locally and sold in markets. While these fisheries provide important income and food for coastal communities, overfishing has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of parrotfish populations and the health of coral reefs, prompting some countries, like Belize, to implement protective regulations or outright bans on parrotfish capture.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.