| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
44.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,105.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Mauritius (Ref. 5503) to the Line and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Shark Bay and 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. Males recognized by the dark area over head and body, and females yellow barring (Ref. 48636). Closely resembles S. dimidiatus, but S. oviceps differs in that its initial phase has fewer, less vertical diagonal black bars on the back and the terminal phase lacks the light-centered bar between the eye and the pectoral fin base, is darker and less brilliant blue on the upper head and back and is usually larger. |
| Biology: |
Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 10 m (Ref. 9710, 48636). Also found in lagoons and coastal and outer reefs to 20 m deep (Ref. 90102). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972). Occurs singly (Ref. 4821). May also form groups (Ref. 90102). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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