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Chlorurus japanensis (Bloch, 1789) Palecheek parrotfish |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae | |||
| Max. size: | 56.2 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,220.0 g | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m | |||
| Distribution: | Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands to Australia. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species is further distinguished by having the following characters: median predorsal scales 4; scale rows on cheek 2; conical teeth absent on side of lower dental plate, 0-2 on upper plate of initial phase and often 2 on terminal male; lips slightly covers the dental plates; caudal fin in subadult slightly rounded to truncate and slightly emarginate in terminal male. Colour of male distinctly bicolored, with purple-brown anterior, and oblique division to pale yellow posterior; female entirely dark brown with red-orange tail (Ref. 9793, 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits seaward coral (Ref. 58652) and rocky reefs (Ref. 9710); inner reefs with rich coral habitat (Ref. 48636). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 3488). May occur in small groups of 1 TP with 1 to 3 IPs (Ref. 9793). Caught mainly with traps, nets and other types of artisanal gear. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 September 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||