with high cover of the macroalgae Dictyota. They have also been found to select for the branching coral Porites porites, however Dictyota are an effective recruitment substrate when branching corals are not available. Due to its abundance in the Caribbean, the stoplight parrotfish are very ecologically important there. Onshore and Offshore Reefs Onshore coral reefs have a greater proportion of older juvenile fish, suggesting that the mortality and/or emigration of adults is more common onshore. Stoplight parrotfishes on offshore coral reefs have a greater average standard length, greater mean asymptotic size, and live twice as long as other fish from onshore coral reefs. Fish onshore were no older than 4 years, while the fish offshore reached 7–8 years. The age difference between offshore and onshore reefs could be due to the stoplight parrotfish migrating from onshore to offshore reefs with age, however, there is no evidence of ontogenetic migration. Feeding & Foraging The stoplight parrotfish employs a scraping and excavating grazing mode and feeds almost exclusively on algae that are associated with dead coral substrates. They have higher grazing rates and assimilation efficiencies in areas with high-quality food. Their preferred food types are large, sparse turfs growing on carbonate substrates that are inhibited by endolithic algae. Algae have high levels of proteins, a high energetic value, along with a high yield, making it preferable to the stoplight parrotfish. They tend to avoid living corals as food items, however, adult fish will occasionally take bites on some living corals (mainly Montastrea annularis). Crutose corallines are not preferred, whether or not they do or do not have algal turf. Their foraging strategy is called “search and nip” and they spend short bouts of energy on swimming, feeding, and hovering. Growth Rate The stoplight parrotfish grow continuously throughout life and their growth rate increases with higher food availability. The largest class of stoplight parrotfish is when they are in their terminal phase. Its typical length is between , but it can reach up to . It is normally found during the day at depths between , but can be found from Reproduction Stoplight parrotfishes engage in reproductive activity throughout the year. They are harem-forming fishes and territorial terminal phase males defend areas that are shared with 1-14 initial phase parrotfishes, with whom they mate. There is more territorial defense in areas with high-quality food. Single terminal phase males also defend the deeper reef