| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
51 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,100.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius to the south coast of India and Sri Lanka. Absent from the Red Sea (probably replaced by Scarus fuscopurpureus) and Persian Gulf. Presence in Somalia to be confirmed (Ref. 30573). Eastern Indian Ocean: Similan Island, Thailand (Ref. 9710). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9 |
| Biology: |
Inhabits shallow coastal reefs (Ref. 9710) and outer reef slopes at depths of 6-15 m (Ref. 90102). Feeds on algae by grazing on sand or coral rubble (Ref. 9710). Wary and usually found singly (Ref. 9710). Often seen in markets. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
