Scarus dimidiatus Bleeker 1859

Males recognized by the blue snout and band behind eye. Eastern form has blue cheek and western form has yellow cheek. Females grey to yellow with dusky saddle over back (Ref. 48636). Closely resembles S. oviceps and S. scaber. In S. oviceps, the initial phase has fewer, less vertical diagonal dark bars on the back and the terminal phase lacks the light-centered bar between the eye and the pectoral fin base, is darker and less brilliant blue on the upper head and back, and is usually larger.

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Feeds by scraping algae from the substrate (Ref. 26993).

Inhabits coral-rich areas of clear, protected reefs (Ref. 9710). Found in lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 90102). Feeds mainly on algae (Ref. 26993).

fisheries: commercial; aquarium: commercial