Hipposcarus longiceps (Valenciennes, 1840)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Small juveniles are light brownish with a broad longitudinal orange band; the primary phase is a whitish brown to light gray with a yellowish tail; the terminal phase is light blue and green (Ref. 1602, 48636). Adults best recognized by the shape of the head (Ref. 48636).
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Eupercaria/misc
Family: Scaridae
Genus: Hipposcarus
Species: Hipposcarus longiceps (Valenciennes, 1840)
Climate Zone
Location
Biology
Inhabits turbid lagoons more than outer reef areas. Usually seen in aggregations; females usually in small groups (Ref. 48636). Feeds on benthic algae (Ref. 89972). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. Large adults may occur to depths of at least 40 m.
Habitat
associated