SCARIDAE


Scarus quoyi, 16.6 cm SL
(photo by Seishi Kimura)


Scarus quoyi
Valenciennes, 1840
Quoyfs Parrotfish

D IX, 10; A III, 9; P1 14.

Median predorsal scales 6; rows of scales on cheek 3, usually with 2 scales in lower row. Color: initial phase light grayish brown with five or six faint bars from scales with paler centers; three longitudinal whitish stripes on abdomen; body of terminal males blue-green dorsally, the scales with narrow pink edges, becoming violet-pink or magenta below; head violet-grey dorsally; a large irregular patch of bright blue green on cheek which extends as a broad band onto upper lip and continues onto chin where invaded by irregular pink bands; operculum orange dorsally, shading to violet-pink ventrally; caudal and pectoral fins largely bright deep blue. Size: maximum length about 30 cm, commonly 20-25 cm. Distribution: eastern Indian Ocean and West Pacific. Remark: inhabits coral-rich areas of outer channels and seaward reefs.