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Cetoscarus ocellatus
Cetoscarus ocellatus, commonly known as the spotted parrotfish, is a species of parrotfish belonging to the family Scaridae.
This species was formerly considered to be the same species as Cetoscarus bicolor, which is otherwise restricted to the Red Sea; however, there are major morphological and molecular differences between the two species, so the IUCN Red List has recognized them as separate species since 2010. This species is sometimes known as the bicolour parrotfish, but this name also is applied to C. bicolor. C. ocellatus currently encompasses the Pacific and Indian Ocean populations and these are presently considered to be conspecific. However, molecular studies indicate that the Indian Ocean population is probably specifically distinct from the Pacific population, if this is the case then the Indian Ocean species would be Cetoscarus nigropinnis.
The species name ocellatus refers to the dark ocellus on the dorsal fin of juveniles.
Cetoscarus ocellatus is widespread in the coastal waters of Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fishes are found along the southern east coast of Africa, from Somalia to South Africa, in Australia and in Southeast Asia (The Coral Triangle region) and north to southern Japan.
These fishes ares associated with coral reefs, and can be found at depths between 1 and 40 m (3.3 and 131.2 ft). They vary in habitat. Some prefer coral reefs, while some prefer seagrass beds, algal beds, mangroves and rocky reefs.
Cetoscarus ocellatus can reach at maturity a body length of about 30–80 cm (12–31 in). This species has a long snout and shows 14-15 pectoral rays;, 5-7 median predorsal scales and 3 rows of scales on cheek. The color of the Cetoscarus ocellatus varies between genders as well as between adults and juveniles.
Juveniles are usually white with a thick orange band that surrounds the head, except snout and chin. They have a black circular spot on their dorsal fin and a thick orange band on their rounded tail.
Females of the initial phase have a dark purple to reddish brown head, finely spotted with black ventrally. Body shows dorsally a broad, pale yellowish zone while below it is bluish gray. Scales are rimmed and spotted with black. Median fins are brownish red and caudal with a whitish crescent posteriorly.
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Cetoscarus ocellatus
Cetoscarus ocellatus, commonly known as the spotted parrotfish, is a species of parrotfish belonging to the family Scaridae.
This species was formerly considered to be the same species as Cetoscarus bicolor, which is otherwise restricted to the Red Sea; however, there are major morphological and molecular differences between the two species, so the IUCN Red List has recognized them as separate species since 2010. This species is sometimes known as the bicolour parrotfish, but this name also is applied to C. bicolor. C. ocellatus currently encompasses the Pacific and Indian Ocean populations and these are presently considered to be conspecific. However, molecular studies indicate that the Indian Ocean population is probably specifically distinct from the Pacific population, if this is the case then the Indian Ocean species would be Cetoscarus nigropinnis.
The species name ocellatus refers to the dark ocellus on the dorsal fin of juveniles.
Cetoscarus ocellatus is widespread in the coastal waters of Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fishes are found along the southern east coast of Africa, from Somalia to South Africa, in Australia and in Southeast Asia (The Coral Triangle region) and north to southern Japan.
These fishes ares associated with coral reefs, and can be found at depths between 1 and 40 m (3.3 and 131.2 ft). They vary in habitat. Some prefer coral reefs, while some prefer seagrass beds, algal beds, mangroves and rocky reefs.
Cetoscarus ocellatus can reach at maturity a body length of about 30–80 cm (12–31 in). This species has a long snout and shows 14-15 pectoral rays;, 5-7 median predorsal scales and 3 rows of scales on cheek. The color of the Cetoscarus ocellatus varies between genders as well as between adults and juveniles.
Juveniles are usually white with a thick orange band that surrounds the head, except snout and chin. They have a black circular spot on their dorsal fin and a thick orange band on their rounded tail.
Females of the initial phase have a dark purple to reddish brown head, finely spotted with black ventrally. Body shows dorsally a broad, pale yellowish zone while below it is bluish gray. Scales are rimmed and spotted with black. Median fins are brownish red and caudal with a whitish crescent posteriorly.