Whitespot Parrotfish (female)

Scarus forsteni is a marine fish native to the western Pacific Ocean, where it lives in coral reefs.

Description

Colour of male green with pink scale edges (pink colour sometimes cover much of the central body), green band around mouth with extension below eye and violet zone on upper head. Female is generally pale grey with broad zone of yellowish brown on middle of side, a small pale dot above diffuse blue-green patch on mid-side and a dark band from eye to pectoral region. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 6-7; 3 scale rows on cheek,1(5-7), 2(6-9), 3(2-5); pectoral-fin rays 13-14 (usually 14); dental plates partially covered by lips and large adult with 1-2 conical teeth on side of upper dental plates; caudal fin emarginate in female and lunate in terminal male. Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9.

Distribution

Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pitcairn Group.

Habitat

Often found on exposed outer lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in rich coral habitats. Generally solitary. Feeds on benthic algae.