Calotomus carolinus (Valenciennes, 1840)
Carolines parrotfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Scaridae (Parrotfishes), subfamily: Sparisomatinae
Max. size:  54 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 71 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific: widest ranging member of the genus, from East Africa to the Revillagigedo and Galapagos islands. Replaced by Calotomus viridescens in the Red Sea (Ref. 37816). Presence in Somalia to be confirmed (Ref. 30573).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. Grayish brown when fresh with scales with fine whitish markings, shading to brownish red ventrally; head paler ventrally, an indistinct orange-brown line from orbit to upper lip; posterior to orbit, 3 short dull reddish lines. Flexible dorsal spines. Caudal fin rounded in juveniles, double emarginate with slightly prolonged lobes in large males. Skin black around anus. Lateral line interrupted. Brownish red pelvic fins with blotches or spots. Dull reddish-brown iris.
Biology:  Inhabits subtidal reef flats, and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depths of at least 27 m (Ref. 1602). Found in coral, rubble, seagrass (Ref. 41878, 58302) and weedy areas (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Found singly or in small groups (Ref. 9710). Feeds on a variety of benthic encrusting algae, e.g., Padina (Ref. 37816) and seagrasses. A protogynous hermaphrodite which may only have secondary males. Caught with nets and other types of artisanal gear.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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