| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
43 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,798.0 g; max. reported age: 5 years |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref. 5490) and east to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to Shark Bay, Western Australia and Lord Howe Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; 2 scale rows on cheek, 1(5-7), 2(4-7); pectoral-fin rays 13-15 (usually 14); female usually 1 conical tooth on side of upper dental plate, terminal male with single tooth on side of lower dental plate, lips largely covering dental plates; caudal fin slightly emarginate in small female to deeply emarginate in large TP male. Colour of male green to pale brownish with salmon pink or bluish scale margins, a lavender-grey snout, bluish to lavender caudal fin and the nuptial male with a brilliant yellow body; female overall reddish brown to grey, usually pale snout (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabit reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 25 m depth (Ref. 1602). Found over corals (Ref. 5213, 58652). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Initial-phase fish stage usually form small feeding schools (Ref. 2334). Graze on benthic algae (Ref. 3488). Secrete a mucus cocoon (Ref. 1602). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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