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Perciformes: Labroidei: Scaridae 3491

Scarus spinus (Kner, 1868) (Plate XIV, 108 and 109) En - Greensnout . Maximum standard length about 25 cm, commonly 15 to 20 cm. Median predorsal scales 4(3-5); scales in cheek-scale rows 1(5-7), 2(5-7), 3(1-2); pectoral-fin rays 14. Both phases characterized by blunt rounded profile. IP with 4 pale bars on body when live or uniformly dark when dead, easily confused with Scarus schlegeli, bleekeri, C. capistratoides,andC. troschelii. The Chlorurus differ in having wider pale bars, a pale caudal peduncle and in tooth morphology and pectoral-fin rays; S. schlegeli has a much more angular profile. TP with characteristic bright blue-green snout and forehead and yellow cheek. Uncommon, on exposed reefs, usually in shallow coral rich areas, solitary or in mixed species schools.

initial phase terminal phase

Scarus tricolor Bleeker, 1849 (Plate XIV, 110 and 111) En - Tricolour parrotfish; Fr - Perroquet tricolore; Sp - Loro tricolor. Maximum standard length about 26.6 cm, commonly 15 to 20 cm. Median predorsal scales 5 to 7; scales in cheek-scale rows 1(6-9), 2(6-10), 3(3-6); pectoral-fin rays 14 or 15. IP characterized by dark purple-black body, belly metallic blue, anal fin with orange hue and caudal fin with light red hue. TP characterized by elongate upper and lower caudal-fin lobes, extremely similar to Scarus forsteni. Common in Philippines, usually solitary or in small groups, most often on reef slope of seaward reefs. This species has been extensively confused with S. forsteni. The distribution map therefore is conservative. A more extensive distribution throughout Indonesia is likely, and possibly into the West Pacific. Not recorded from the Great Barrier Reef or Coral Sea. This species is widespread in the Indian Ocean.

initial phase terminal phase 3492 Bony

Scarus xanthopleura (Bleeker, 1853) En - Red parrotfish. Maximum standard length about 41.5 cm, commonly 30 to 40 cm. Median predorsal scales 6; scales in cheek-scale rows 1, 2 (unknown), 3(2); pectoral-fin rays 15. IP easily identified by overall red colour. TP lacks the dorsal filament of Scarus altipinnis and uniformly green cheek patch of S. prasiognathos, which are otherwise similar. Rare, usually found in shallow regions of seaward reefs, solitary or a small groups of 1 TP with 1 or 2 IPs.

initial phase

terminal phase

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