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.

Quick facts
| Scientific name | Scarus ferrugineus |
|---|---|
| Authority | Forsskål, 1775 |
| Family | Pesci pappagallo (Labridae (Scarinae)) |
| Common name (IT) | Pesce pappagallo ruggine |
| Common name (EN) | Rusty parrotfish |
| Maximum size | 41 cm |
| Depth | 1–60 m |
| Distribution | Endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
| Hazard | Caution |
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 →