These interesting changes that are found in all species of the parrot fish has made it difficult for scientist to discern between the various species and caused much controversy concerning number of species of this fish. The only known non-tropical species of this fish is the Scarus cretensis. This species is most often found in areas of the Mediterranean and was recognized by the ancient Greeks. Today it is highly valued as a food source in some areas off the coast of Africa and throughout the Aegean Sea. One of the more interesting characteristics of the parrot fish is their preference to sleep during the night at the bottom of the reef.
Some species protect themselves by burrowing into the sandy bottom where they remain until morning.
Other species are characterized by their ability to cover themselves with a type of slimy covering forming a kind of cocoon in which to sleep that protects them from nocturnal predators like the moray eel. When morning arrives the fish discards the cocoon and goes about its business. Much like their amazing ability for changing colors, the parrot fish presents a very inter-changeable mating pattern. In many species the female will become a male during the mating season. Males that are born into the species remain male and tend to surround themselves with many females once they have established a nesting site or territory for spawning.