Nicholsina usta

Nicholsina usta
Nicholsina usta-Emerald Parrotfish-FL
Photo Credit: Dan Marotta – Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ScaridaeNicholsina usta(Valenciennes)1840Emerald Parrotfish

Nicholsina usta

Unique Characters: Teeth not fused into beak-like plates but with numerous separate teeth visible on jaw margins. Body depth 3-3.2 times in standard length. Simple membranous flap at posterior edge of anterior nostril. Medium-sized adult (reaching at least 29 cm). Body mostly green in life.

Similar Species: Bluelip Parrotfish Cryptotomus roseus. Teeth not fused into beak-like plates but with numerous separate teeth visible on jaw margins. Slender fish, body depth 4-4.6 times in standard length. No membranous flap on anterior nostril. Small-sized adult (not exceeding 10 cm). Pale to reddish color, often with pattern of alternating white/pink and brown/green stripes.

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