About Scarus rubroviolaceus Bleeker, 1847
Nomenclature
This species, known as the ember parrotfish, is scientifically named Scarus rubroviolaceus Bleeker, 1847.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is sexually dimorphic: males have a bright greenish-blue color, while females are a duller brown.
Distribution Range
The ember parrotfish is widespread and abundant, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its range includes Japan, eastern Africa, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Diet
Its diet consists of aquatic plants and benthic algae, which it scrapes off rocks using its beak.
Hermaphroditism
Ember parrotfish exhibit sequential hermaphroditism, meaning they change sex at some point in their life. Juvenile ember parrotfish have undifferentiated sex.
Female Maturation
As they grow, they mature into reddish-brown females when they reach about 32 cm in body length at around 2.6 years old.
Sex Change Process
They remain female for a considerable time, and when they grow further to 37 cm in body length at around 13 years old, they change sex into males.
Sex Retention
However, some individuals remain female throughout their lives.
Lifespan
Ember parrotfish can live up to 20 years.
