All parrotfishes sport a strong elongated oval body boasting large scales, prominent mouth with bill-like frontal teeth (hence the name) with which they bite away at coral. The redband parrotfish is somewhat smaller. While most parrotfishes have three essential growth phases (Juvenile, Intermediate and Terminal), the Redband Parrotfish inserts additional physical characteristics between Juvenile and Intermediate phases (unfortunately not yet featured here), but not only: in both its initial and terminal phases, the species has the wherewithal of rapidly and dramatically changing its appearance, especially while resting at night, to make itself look particularly uninviting with the first dorsal fin spines unequivocally deployed as exemplified by photos below.

TITLE PHOTO: The combined photo above shows Terminal Phase above Intermediate Phase specimen.

Terminal (supermale adult): Light green upper and aft body, lighter underbody and sides just aft the pectoral fins, light red/pink dorsal and anal fins. Red eyes amd orange line runs from mouth crack passing under the eyes. Belly can turn red under certain circumstances at night.

Intermediate phase: Overal dark green with bright red dorsal, ventral, anal and tail fins. Can dramatically change appearance, especially at night while  resting. Always very marked scales.

Terminal: yellow blotch and black stains behind the gills, above the body centerline.

Intermediate: white spot just aft the dorsal fin.