Bleeker's Parrotfish (male)

Description

It is a medium-sized fish and can reach a maximum size of 49 cm length. Males are more colorful than females. This species is distinguished by the following characters: median predorsal scales 5-7 (usually 6); 2 scale rows on cheek, 1(6-8), 2(6-8); pectoral-fin rays 15; dental plates well exposed, lips not covering the plates; 1-2 conical teeth on side of upper dental plate; caudal fin truncate. Colour of initial phase (IP) is dark brown with broad pale bars on sides and pale caudal fin and caudal peduncle. Male is with greenish large pale cream patch below eye bordered entirely by a thick green line. Male greenish with pinkish purple scale edges, green central zone and outer margins on tail and large rectangular whitish area on cheek. Female is dark brown with 3-4 broad pale bars. Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: East Indian region to Micronesia, Samoa, and Fiji and Philippines to Australia; throughout East Indian region except Andaman Sea.

Habitat

It feeds on filamentous algae.