SCARIDAE Scarus scaber, 11.5 cm SL (initial phase; photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Scarus scaber (initial phase; photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Scarus scaber, 13.8 cm SL (terminal phase; photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Scarus scaber Valenciennes, 1840 Fivesaddle Parrotfish D IX, 10; A III, 9; P1 13-14; GR 45-55. Teeth fused to form dental plates; dental plates relatively smooth, from three-fourths to completely covered by lips; no canine teeth on side of dental plates; 3 rows of scales on cheek; median predorsal scales 4-7 (usually 6); caudal fin of initial-phase truncate to slightly emarginate, becoming deeply emarginate on terminal males. Color: initial phase with 5 oblique dark grey bars dorsally on body separated by bright yellow zones of equal width; a dark grey stripe from side of snout through eye and across upper part of operculum; head above stripe light grey, yellow below. Terminal males with head above lower edge of eye and body at same level anterior to demarcation from base of eighth dorsal spine purplish grey; rest of body green, edges of scales broadly salmon pink; a broad blue-green band from front of snout, joined by one from chin, and continuing below eye across operculum. Size: maximum length about 37 cm. Distribution: Indian Ocean, from East Africa to Andaman Sea. Remarks: occurs on reef flats and shallow lagoon reefs with rich coral growth at depths of 1-20 m.