| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae |
| Max. size: |
35.2 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 657.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: northern Red Sea and South Africa to Easter Island, north to southern Japan, south to Poor Knight's Island in New Zealand and Rottnest Island in Australia. Southeast Atlantic: False Bay, South Africa (Ref. 525). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 4 (occasionally 3); 1 scale row on cheek, 1(4), below eye; pectoral-fin rays 13; relatively elongate, its depth 2.9-3.8 in SL; unique narrow dental plates composed of numerous small teeth. Colour when fresh, greenish or olive brown, often strongly mottled; male with midlateral white stripe (Ref. 9793, 90102). |
| Biology: |
Found in sheltered bays, harbors and lagoons (Ref. 48636). Inhabits seagrass areas or areas with hard substrates heavy with algal cover. Usually occur in small groups. Unlike other parrotfishes, males and females look very similar and do not change sex (Ref. 48636). Feeds on seagrasses and algae (Ref. 30573). Marketed fresh (Ref. 5284). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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