[1][2][3] It is generally common, but uncommon or rare (locally even absent) in the northwestern Mediterranean and in the Adriatic Sea.

[5][6] The primary adult habitat is rocky reefs, especially in areas with macroalgae, but they may visit adjacent seagrass patches.

The pelagic stage for the eggs and larvae is 50–60 days in Sparisoma parrotfish, after which they settle on rocky reefs and among seagrass.

[16] The adult females are red with a yellow-edged greyish saddle shape on the back and a yellow spot at the base of the tail.

The males are overall greyish with paler underparts and no distinctive markings, although typically with blackish bars on the throat and opercular.