Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) >
Perciformes (Perch-likes) >
Scaridae (Parrotfishes) > Scarinae
Etymology: Scarus: Greek, skaros = a fish described by anciente writers as a parrot fish; 1601 (Ref. 45335). More on author: Forsskål.
Environment / Climate / Range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m (Ref. 90102). Tropical, preferred ?; 30°N - 27°S
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref. 5490) and east to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Shark Bay, Western Australia and the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 40.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5490)
Dorsal
spines
(total): 9;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 10;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 9. The western Pacific population is monochromatic, but the western Indian Ocean population has a distinctive reddish primary phase. Juveniles recognized by the twin black spots on the tail (Ref. 48636).
Inhabits coral-rich areas of clear lagoons, channels, and outer reef slopes (Ref. 9710). Generally solitary (Ref. 1602). Juveniles in small groups on algae and coral reefs inshore (Ref. 48636). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 30573). Males maintain small harems and pair spawn (Ref. 1602). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 9710.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene, 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p. (Ref. 2334)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 115185)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial
More information
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