| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
50 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands to the Line and Ducie islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Coloration changes slowly with growth. The light green patch on the caudal peduncle is present on individuals as small as 15 cm and the distinctive tan facial markings are on most individuals above 20 cm. Large males develop a near-vertical forehead profile and long lobes and a well-developed lunate caudal fin. |
| Biology: |
Often seen in small schools on exposed reef flats and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 90102. Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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