Scarus chameleon Choat & Randall, 1986
Chameleon parrotfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Scarinae
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island (Ref. 30874) and Western Australia in the eastern Indian Ocean to Fiji, 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
Biology:  Inhabits outer reef flats and exposed lagoon and seaward slopes from a depth of 3 to at least 30 m (Ref. 1602). Feeds mainly on algae (Ref. 26993). Females often in schools of mixed species when feeding, males usually seen separate (Ref. 48636).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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