Scarus spinus (Kner, 1868)

Common Name and Male Size

Scarus spinus, commonly called the greensnout parrotfish, can reach a total length of approximately 30 cm in males.

Fin Ray and Spine Count

This species has 10 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 9 anal soft rays.

Sexual Coloration Differences

Underwater, males have a bright yellow head, while females are drab in color, have white teeth, and bear some pale spots.

Terminal Phase Caudal Fin Shape

In the terminal phase of growth, the caudal fin is moderately to deeply emarginate.

Dental Plate Coverage

The lips largely cover the species' dental plates.

Geographic Distribution

This parrotfish is distributed across Christmas Island, and ranges from the Philippines to Samoa, the Ryukyu Islands, and the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Habitat and Depth Range

It inhabits coral-rich areas of outer lagoons and seaward reefs, found at depths between 0 and 30 meters.