SCARIDAE Scarus niger (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Scarus niger Forsskål, 1775 Dusky Parrotfish D IX, 10; A III, 9; P1 13-15; GR 44-50. Teeth fused to form dental plates; dental plates relatively smooth, and largely covered by lips; terminal male usually with 2 canine teeth on side at rear of upper dental plates, usually none on initial phase; 3 rows of scales on cheek; median predorsal scales 6-8 (usually 7); caudal fin slightly rounded to truncate in small initial-phase fish, the lobes becoming prolonged in larger individuals. Color: initial phase brownish red to greenish grey, the scales crossed with, mostly horizontal, dark brown lines, many joined to form narrow dark stripes; head brownish red, shading to red-orange anteriorly with 2 transverse green bands on chin, 1 above upper lip, 1 to below and behind eye, and 2 from behind eye; an irregular light green band sometimes present from upper edge of eye across dorsal part of operculum. Terminal males dark purplish green, the scale edges dark reddish; upper lip broadly salmon pink; a small yellow spot within a green band at upper end of gill opening; pectoral fins deep rose pink. Juveniles dark brown with pale blue dots; caudal fin white with a large black spot basally at upper and lower edges of fin. Size: maximum length about 39 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral-rich areas of shallow reef flat and outer reef slopes to depths of at least 15 m.