Family: Scaridae, Parrotfishes view all from this family

Description To 24" (61 cm). Deep, depth about two-fifths length. Terminal males (supermales) mostly green, scale edges dull green, 3 diagonal, yellow-orange bands on head, opercle edge orange with small, bright spot on top; large, yellow spot at caudal fin base. Primary phase brown above and on head, lower third and fins bright red, scale centers lighter. Teeth form beaklike plates, upper plate included in lower when mouth closed. Single dorsal fin long; caudal fin truncate in young, emarginate in medium sizes, lunate in large males. 1 scale row on cheek; 4 median predorsal scales.

Habitat Coral reefs and adjacent seagrass beds.

Range Bermuda; from S. Florida to NE. Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and West Indies.

Discussion This rather large species is most abundant in the Florida Keys and on West Indian reefs. The specific name viride calls attention to its green color.