Calotomus spinidens (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Spinytooth parrotfish
Calotomus spinidens
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae
 Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 1 - 72 m
 Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Kenya to at least Delagoa Bay in Mozambique, and east to the Marshall and Tonga Islands. Presence in Somalia to be confirmed (Ref. 30573).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. General body color when fresh is greenish brown with scales finely flecked with pale; shade of white ventrally (belly sometimes dull rose or yellowish). Across the chin, 2 irregular dull reddish bars interspaced by white or yellow; upper opercular margin with a diffused dark spot. Hyaline pectorals with a yellowish flush; pelvic fins hyaline except for numerous small white spots and some reddish blotches. Flexible dorsal spines. Area circumscribed by pectoral fin unspotted. Lateral line interrupted (scales usually 19 + 7, occasionally 19 + 6).
 Biology:  Found in coastal bays and deep lagoons (Ref. 48636). Inhabits seagrass beds or dense beds of algae. Well-camouflaged and easily overlooked (Ref. 48636). Feeds on these or the associated epiphytes. Caught nets and other types of artisanal gear.
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 10.06.91
 Modified by: Olisa, Kristine Elaine Paz - 03.06.15
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 12.07.94

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