Sixband Parrotfish, Scarus frenatus (Lacépède, 1802)
Bridled Parrotfish
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Scarus
- Species
- frenatus
- Family
- Scaridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 47 cm in length.
Introduction
The Sixband Parrotfish is found on coral reefs in tropical marine waters. It can be recognised by its colouration.
Identification
The Sixband Parrotfish can be recognised by its colouration. Initial phase fish are brown to reddish with red fins and six or seven dark stripes along the sides of the body. Terminal phase males are abruptly lighter on the lower half of the head and posteriorly on the body. The caudal fin of males is blue-green with a large orange, crescent-shaped region. It has elongate lobes.
Habitat
It usually occurs on coral reefs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific.
Distribution
In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to southern Queensland.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Choat, J.H. & J.E. Randall. 1986. A Review of the Parrotfishes (Family Scaridae) of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia with Description of a New Species. Records of the Australian Museum. 38: 175-228.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
