Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae |
28 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m |
Western Atlantic: throughout the Caribbean Sea. |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Adults of both sexes have distinct white spot behind base of dorsal fin; super males with red line from corner of mouth to below back of eye; and 2 or more jet-black spots on side above pectoral fin (Ref. 26938). The smaller color phase is brown or greenish brown with a dark blue cast on the back and sides, becoming red ventrally (Ref. 13442). |
Inhabits coral reefs, young usually in adjacent seagrass beds. Often rests on the bottom (Ref. 9710). Feeds on plants. Solitary or in small groups. A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 55367). |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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