There are about 100 recognized parrotfish species. Counts in the sources reviewed range from 99 to 107 because lists differ in date and taxonomic treatment; the 2024 world checklist recognizes 99 valid species in ten genera.
Why parrotfish counts differ
“Types” is best understood here as recognized species, not the different colors or life phases that some parrotfishes can display. There is no single count shared by every taxonomic list: a checklist of valid species and a database tree may apply different inclusion rules or reflect different updates.
There is also a classification wrinkle. Parrotfishes are traditionally grouped in the family Scaridae. FishBase’s November 2025 classification note places Scaridae and Odacidae within the broader wrasse family Labridae as subfamilies. So a source may still list Scaridae as a group even when its broader classification nests that group within Labridae.
Counts reported by different sources
| Source | Count | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Parenti and colleagues’ 2024 world checklist | 99 valid species | A dated checklist count; it also provides a breakdown across ten genera. |
| FishBase/MNHN family list, accessed 2026 | 100 species | The number displayed in its Scaridae family list. |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service taxonomic tree, accessed 2026 | 107 species | The number displayed under Scaridae in that tree; it should not be treated as a universal consensus total. |
| NOAA Fisheries, 2015 | 100 species | A historical figure stated in a greenback parrotfish status review. |
| Animal Diversity Web | Approximately 83 species | A substantially lower overview figure; its page date and taxonomic scope are not established here. |
For a current, precisely attributed figure, the 2024 checklist is the clearest dated reference among these sources: it recognizes 99 valid species. FishBase/MNHN and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service database display 100 and 107, respectively, when accessed in 2026. Those figures describe what each source lists, not a settled universal total.
#1 Best Overall
- Inspired by the real Parrotfish, our stuffed toy showcases the beautiful hues and unique patterns of this fascinating species.
- Designed with high-quality materials, this plush toy provides the perfect combination of softness, durability, and longevity.
- Our Coral Reef Parrotfish plush toy exceeds the safety requirements set by CPSIA (USA) and EN71 (EU), ensuring a safe playtime experience for all.
- More than just a toy, this plush serves as a playful learning tool that fosters curiosity about the world's diverse marine life and the significance of ocean conservation.
- Be it a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, our Parrotfish plush toy makes an unforgettable gift that seamlessly combines fun and learning.
How the 2024 checklist divides the species
The checklist recognizes ten genera. Scarus is by far the largest, with 52 of the 99 listed species.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Snackles, Series 3, 14" Plush, (Blue Parrotfish)
Rank #4
- Behold the colorful, intelligent, and amazing Macaw Parrot plush toy for your next tropical exploration
- This stuffed animal is the perfect adventure buddy for young children and adults alike that have a bright imagination
- At 8 inches, this wonderful Wild Republic plush toy is a value for anyone looking for stuffed animals created with high-quality materials
- Flying the treetops and hunting for food doesn’t have to stop because of a mess with this surface washable stuffed animal
- Watch smiles light upon the face of anyone that holds, cuddles, and explores with the adorable Macaw Parrot plush toy
Rank #3
- This pirate parrot plush measures 4.8 inches, ultra compact and portable. Easy to carry around, perfectly sized to perch on your shoulder without feeling bulky or heavy for all-day wear;
- Built with strong premium magnets, this magnetic shoulder plush sticks firmly to clothing, bag, car interiors and curtains. No slipping off, no falling down, and never scratch or damage your clothes;
- Features bright colorful design and classic pirate parrot look, vivid and eye-catching. The adorable plush shape is super charming for photoshoots, making you stand out at any themed gathering;
- Ideal for Halloween pirate costumes, birthday parties, tropical themed events and carnival parties. It also works great as bag decoration, room ornament and daily fashion accessory for kids and adults;
- This novelty pirate parrot shoulder decoration is a thoughtful birthday and holiday gift for kids. Suitable for pirate costume matching, party favors and plush collection, loved by children and grown-ups alike.
Rank #2
- 🐠 JUST KEEP SWIMMING! Bring the Beauty of the Ocean into your Home with our Unique Parrot Fish Stuffed Animal. This Plush Toy is Designed with Utmost Attention to Detail, Ensuring a Lifelike Representation of the Beautiful Coral Trout Species. Order Now and Let the Adventure of the Sea Begin!
- 📏 50 DIFFERENT PLUSH ANIMALS TO CHOOSE FROM! Pick from Our Sea Animal Collection including Sea Lions, Crabs, Octopus, Dolphins and More! Click our Store Link Above to See all Real Planet Plush Stuffed Animals!
- 🎁 PERFECT FOR PRESENTS & GIFTS! Real Planet Plush Stuffed Animals are the Perfect Gift for the Birthday Girl or Birthday Boy, Christmas, Easter, Summer and More! Fun and Realistic Stuffed Animals for All Ages!
- ✅ SAFETY TESTED, KID APPROVED: All Real Planet Toys are Safety Tested and Exceed EN71, CPSIA, CE and ASTM Testing Standards in Accredited Labs and Contain No Phthalates, Lead, BPA or Heavy Metals to Put Parents' Minds at Ease!
- 🚗 PLAY ON-THE-GO: Made of High Quality Durable Materials, Real Planet Toys are Easy to Take Anywhere & Fully Washable! Great for Parents & Kids on the Go! Hand Wash & Air Dry for Best Results!
| Genus | Species in the 2024 checklist |
|---|---|
| Bolbometopon | 1 |
| Calotomus | 5 |
| Cetoscarus | 2 |
| Chlorurus | 17 |
| Cryptotomus | 1 |
| Hipposcarus | 2 |
| Leptoscarus | 1 |
| Nicholsina | 3 |
| Scarus | 52 |
| Sparisoma | 15 |
| Total | 99 |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
