| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae |
| Max. size: |
46 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Caribbean Sea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Young adults with black saddle-shaped markings at upper end of pectoral fin base; often vague, pale saddle-shaped area on top of caudal peduncle; and dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins red or orange (Ref. 26938). |
| Biology: |
Occurs in coral reefs and adjacent habitats, the young especially in seagrass beds. Juveniles or primary-phase adults rapidly assume a mottled pattern with which they blend with the substratum when they come to rest on the bottom. Feeds on benthic algae and seagrasses. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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