| Scarus frenatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Labriformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Scarus |
| Species: | S. frenatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Scarus frenatus Lacépède, 1802 | |
| Synonyms | |
Scarus frenatus is a species of parrotfish. Common names include bridled parrotfish, sixband or six-banded parrotfish or vermiculate parrotfish.
Scarus frenatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea to the Line Islands and Ducie Island, and as far north as southern Japan, to its southernmost location at Shark Bay in Western Australia, Lord Howe Island, and Rapa Iti in French Polynesia. It is not found in the waters of Hawaii.
This species grows up to 47 cm. It can be recognised by its patterns and colours. Its appearance changes during its life. At first, it has a reddish to brown colour, with six to seven dark, horizontal stripes along its body, and red fins. In old males, the rear end of the body and the lower half of the head are lighter. In males, the rear fins appear blue-green with a large, orange, crescent-shaped area.
The fish usually lives at depths of 1–25m on exposed outer reefs, but sometimes is found in very shallow water. Young fish may be found in lagoons living within the rubble and coral of the reefs. The species usually lives by itself. While feeding, it may join schools of mixed species. It feeds on algae growing in the benthic zone.
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