| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
60 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Islands and Rowley Shoals in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Replaced by Hipposcarus harid in the Indian Ocean. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Small juveniles are light brownish with a broad longitudinal orange band; the primary phase is a whitish brown to light gray with a yellowish tail; the terminal phase is light blue and green (Ref. 1602, 48636). Adults best recognized by the shape of the head (Ref. 48636). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits turbid lagoons more than outer reef areas. Usually seen in aggregations; females usually in small groups (Ref. 48636). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. Large adults may occur to depths of at least 40 m. |
| 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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