Scarus scaber Valenciennes, 1840
Fivesaddle parrotfish
Scarus scaber
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae
 Max. size:  37 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 900.0 g
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m
 Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: East Africa south to Natal, South Africa; also around islands of the western Indian Ocean.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9
 Biology:  Inhabits shallow lagoon reefs, in areas with dense coral cover (Ref. 9710). Individuals in the initial phase form groups (Ref. 9710). Feeds on algae by incessant grazing in coral reefs (Ref. 5503). Marked sexual dimorphism.
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Outside distributional range. Reported from Tubbataha Reefs (Ref. 53416, 57038) and Malalag Bay (Ref. 106380).

 Entered by: Sa-a, Pascualita - 21.04.93
 Modified by: Olisa, Kristine Elaine Paz - 21.05.13

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