Pesci pappagallo

Rusty parrotfish (Scarus ferrugineus)

The Rusty parrotfish (Scarus ferrugineus) belongs to the family Labridae (Scarinae) (pesci pappagallo) and is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It reaches about 41 cm and is found at 1–60 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. Treat it with caution (caution): do not touch or handle it.

Rusty parrotfish (Scarus ferrugineus), a Red Sea fish of the pesci pappagallo family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameScarus ferrugineus
AuthorityForsskål, 1775
FamilyPesci pappagallo (Labridae (Scarinae))
Common name (IT)Pesce pappagallo ruggine
Common name (EN)Rusty parrotfish
Maximum size41 cm
Depth1–60 m
DistributionEndemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern
HazardCaution

Description

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

Diving hazard — Caution: keep your distance, and never touch, corner or feed it.

Where it lives

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

  • Crest egiziano
  • Aqaba
  • Arabia

Diving safety

Caution. This is a predator or a fish with a strong bite. It is not looking for people — watch from a distance, do not touch, chase or feed it.

If it happens

  • For a bite: leave the water, control bleeding with direct pressure, clean the wound.

After

  • Marine bites infect readily — seek medical care and tetanus cover.

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Rusty parrotfish belong to?
The Rusty parrotfish (Scarus ferrugineus) belongs to the family Labridae (Scarinae) (pesci pappagallo).
Is the Rusty parrotfish dangerous?
It needs caution: Caution. Keep your distance and do not touch or handle it.
Is the Rusty parrotfish endemic to the Red Sea?
Yes — it lives only in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
How big does the Rusty parrotfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 41 cm.

Explore the Rusty parrotfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →