Spotted parrotfish

Appearance

''Cetoscarus ocellatus'' can reach at maturity a body length of about 30–80 cm. 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 zonewhile below it is bluish gray. Scales are rimmed and spotted with black. Median fins are brownish red and caudal with a whitish crescent posteriorly.

The brightly-coloured terminal males are green, scales are rimmed with pink, head and anterior body show numerous small pink spots. An orange line is running from mouth to anal fin.

Naming

The species name ''ocellatus'' refers to the dark ocellus on the dorsal fin of juveniles.

Distribution

''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 and north to southern Japan.

Behavior

Cetoscarus ocellatus is a hermaphroditic member of the Parrotfish family. It is found largely within the Coral Triangle region, although it has been found to inhabit sea grass and algal beds as well as mangroves.

As these Parrot Fishes are hermaphrodites, they start out as females and eventually can become males. They travel in large schools that are led by one dominant male followed by females. If for some reason this male were to leave or get separated, one of the dominant females of the group will take charge and change its gender and color. Parrotfish are important to the dynamic of coral reefs and are being threatened by overfishing, and destruction of habitat due to climate change.

Habitat

These fishes ares associated with coral reefs, and can be found at depths between 1 and 40 m. They vary in habitat. Some prefer coral reefs, while some prefer seagrass beds, algal beds, mangroves and rocky reefs.