Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.9.2.3 Scaridae (Parrotfishes)

• Head bluntly rounded anteriorly
• Teeth usually fused to form a pair of beak-like plates in each jaw; few species have incisor/canine teeth
• Dorsal fin single, continous with 9 slender flexible spines and 10 soft rays
• Anal fin with 3 flexible spines and 9 soft rays
• Caudal fin rounded to lunate with produced caudal lobes
• 1-4 rows of scales on cheek; 2-8 median predorsal scales

Eg. Scarus frenatus

Note:

• Many species exhibit striking sexual dimorphism.
• Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites - individuals maturing first as females, then sexually transforming into males
• For field identification of parrotfish species, reliance must usually be placed on colour patterns and few meristic characters.

Similar Families

Genus, Calotomus sp. (teeth not fused) is confused with some wrasses (Labridae). In Labridae - teeth well separated; protrusible mouth.