Scarus trispinosus Valenciennes, 1840
Greenbeak parrotfish
Scarus trispinosus
photo by Sazima, I.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae
Max. size:  55.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: endemic to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  This species lacks a large pale area on the head (extending from the throat to snout) that is present in S. coelestinus. S. trispinosus has roughly homogenously-colored scales on flanks unlike in S. coelestinus where flank scales have distinct dark margins. S. trispinosus also lack the irregular bright-blue blotches on nape and around the eye. Juveniles are similarly colored as the adults, but bear a yellowish area on nape, similar to subadults of S. coelestinus (Ref. 40827).
Biology:  Occurs in coral, algal and rocky reefs and on algal beds (Ref. 40827).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 13 June 2008 (A2d) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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