| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae |
| Max. size: |
45 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 600.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: East Africa, including Madagascar, Seychelles, and Maldives. Also reported from Phuket, Thailand and Bali and Sulawesi, Indonesia (Ref. 9232). Probably related to Scarus spinus in the Central and Western Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Males recognized by the nearly all green snout from front of eyes (Ref. 48636). 4 median predorsal scales; 2 scales on third row on the cheek; ii 12 pectoral fin rays; 1 main and 2 rudimentary rows of teeth on the upper pharyngeal which are deep interdigitated, with main teeth notched-shaped; length/width ratio of the lower dental plate is 2.80 (Ref. 37269). |
| Biology: |
Found solitary (Ref. 90102) in shallow reefs, on flats and reef fronts or rocky shores of high islands (Ref. 9710); also on mixed algae rubble and rich coral patches (Ref. 48636). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 30573). Caught with nets and other kinds of artisanal gear. Sold mostly fresh in markets (Ref. 3488). Close relative of S. spinus of the Pacific but has allopatric distribution (except Bali) (Ref. 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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