Scarus xanthopleura Bleeker, 1853
Red parrotfish
Scarus xanthopleura
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae
Max. size:  54 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Ryukyu, Sulawesi, Palau (Belau), and Marshall Islands. Also found in Indonesia (Ref. 8631).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Large primary phase individuals have a distinctive red coloration and lunate caudal fin (Ref. 1602). Females recognized by the red-outlined scales and males by their somewhat elongated snout (Ref. 48636). Median predorsal scales 6;
Biology:  Uncommon inhabitant of clear lagoon and seaward reefs, usually seen along drop-offs (Ref. 9710). Solitary.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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