Midnight parrotfish

Midnight parrotfish (Scarus coelestinus) — field identification starting point: a robust reef fish with fused beak-like teeth and often striking color changes between life phases. Confirm the exact species against the approved photo and scientific-name biology reference.

Many Caribbean parrotfish are commonly about 8–24 in, with some species much larger.

Large parrotfish can exceed 3 ft.

Primarily algae, seagrass, detritus or benthic material depending on species; these fish are important reef grazers.

Commonly grazes reef/rock/seagrass surfaces and moves between feeding and shelter areas.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start on reef edges, ledges, rocky bottom, patch reefs and nearby sand/grass transitions; work the side with moving water and bait. Habitat reference: Habitat: reef.

Habitat: reef.

Commonly associated with reef, rubble, seagrass or nearby bottom habitat; exact depth varies by species and life stage.

Release-first species on this BigJoe guide: do not target it for harvest. If caught incidentally, release promptly in the water or with minimal air exposure.

Water: marine. Habitat: reef.

No directed season is recommended; check the current legal status before every trip.

No target time is recommended; release any incidental capture promptly.

No target tide is recommended; choose conditions that allow safe handling and release.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

No harvest-targeting bait recommendation is provided. Incidental captures should be released promptly.

No directed lure recommendation on a release-only page; avoid intentionally targeting the fish unless current rules expressly allow the activity.

Release kit first: appropriate rod/reel, strong line, dehooker, long pliers/cutters and a plan to keep handling time minimal.

If an incidental hookup occurs, use strong release-friendly terminal tackle and cut the leader near the hook if removal would cause more injury.

Use tackle strong enough to shorten any incidental fight and support a quick release.

Use an abrasion-resistant leader that can be cut quickly if dehooking is unsafe.

Release-first guidance only: identify, minimize fight/handling, dehook in the water when practical and release promptly.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Do not keep — this species is protected in Florida and/or U.S. federal waters, and in many Caribbean countries. Release it quickly. Parrotfish keep reefs healthy and are protected or limited in several places (e.g., Bonaire, the USVI and Puerto Rico have rules) — many anglers release them.

Not for the table — release it.

Safety first: FOOD TOXIN RISK — this fish belongs to a group associated with ciguatera in tropical/Caribbean waters. Risk varies by location, species and fish; the toxin cannot be detected by appearance, taste or smell and cooking does not destroy it. Ice it right away. Use a clean board and sharp knife; scale or skin only when appropriate, remove the viscera or fillet cleanly, trim damaged tissue/bloodline as desired, minimize warm-water exposure, and keep the edible portion cold. If the fish carries venomous spines, dangerous teeth or a toxin advisory, follow the safety warning before cleaning.

For routine cooked preparation, FDA seafood guidance uses 145°F (63°C) as the safe internal-temperature target for fish; flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. Grilling, baking, broiling, steaming or pan-cooking can all work after the fish is positively identified, legally retained and cleared for applicable toxin/mercury advisories.

FOOD TOXIN RISK — this fish belongs to a group associated with ciguatera in tropical/Caribbean waters. Risk varies by location, species and fish; the toxin cannot be detected by appearance, taste or smell and cooking does not destroy it.

Rules: Blue, midnight and rainbow parrotfish: Do not target or possess; release incidental catches promptly with minimal harm.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.