| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 18 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: India to Vanuatu, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia; Palau (Belau) in Micronesia. |
| 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 features: 6 median predorsal scales; 3 scale rows on cheek 1(5), 2(5-6), 3(2); lips largely covering the dental plates; caudal fin is truncate to slightly rounded. Colour overall is green to purplish or bluish, sometimes a pink patch on pectoral region, often with lime-green saddle on upper caudal-fin base, a dark green 'moustache' and pale green patch on cheek (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits coral-rich areas of outer channels and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Occurs singly or in small groups (Ref. 9710) over intertidal flats to graze on algae during high water mark (Ref. 48636). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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