Scarus festivus Valenciennes, 1840
Festive parrotfish
Scarus festivus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae
Max. size:  45 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Adults identified by lines radiating from eyes, two of which running over the top of the head (Ref. 48636). Coloration changes slowly with growth. Males develop a distinctive lump on the forehead.
Biology:  Found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 1602). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 3488). Uncommon (Ref. 90102). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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