Ember Parrotfish (female)

Scarus rubroviolaceus is a species of parrotfish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Description

Colour of male is with distinct bicolour pattern, brownish to dark green on head and anterior body and lighter green on posterior portion. Female is reddish brown to grey with small black spots and irregular black lines and white flakes on body.

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 6 median predorsal scales; 3 scale rows on cheek 1(5-7), 2(5-7), 3(1-3); pectoral-fin rays 14-16 (usually 15); conical teeth on side, 0-1 on upper dental plate of female, 1-3 on terminal male; lips mainly covering half or more of dental plates; terminal male with angular snout profile; caudal fin slightly emarginate in female, lunate with prolonged lobes in terminal male.

Distribution

The ember parrotfish is widespread and abundant. It has been found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with its range including Japan, eastern Africa, and the Hawaiian islands.

Habitat and behavior

Occurs solitary or in pairs in seaward reefs. Usually over rocky or coral substrates, at boulder-strewn slopes at the base of high-island cliffs where it may occur in large schools. Large adult usually on upper parts of deep slopes, but seen to about 35 m depth. Benthopelagic. A protogynous hermaphrodite.

Diet includes aquatic plants and benthic algea, which they scrape off rocks using their beak.

Importance to humans

The ember parrotfish is commercially fished, and can be kept in saltwater aquariums.

Etymology

The genus name, Scarus, comes from the Greek word "skaros", meaning "parrotfish".