| Family: |
Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae |
| Max. size: |
30 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; 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: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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