Top Stoplight Parrotfish Fishing Countries

The Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a vibrant, reef-dwelling fish found primarily in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic, especially throughout the Caribbean Sea. Recognized for its striking coloration and beak-like teeth used to graze on algae and coral, the Stoplight Parrotfish plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems. While not typically targeted by large-scale commercial fisheries, this species is commonly harvested by small-scale and artisanal fishers in countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean nations. In these regions, parrotfish are often caught for local consumption and the tourism-driven restaurant trade. Overfishing of the Stoplight Parrotfish, particularly in heavily populated or tourist-frequented areas, has raised ecological concerns, as their decline can lead to increased algal growth and degraded reef health. As a result, some countries, like Belize, have implemented regulations or bans on parrotfish fishing to protect their vital reef ecosystems.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.