Spotted Parrotfish

Cetoscarus ocellatus can reach at maturity a body length of about 30–80 cm (12–31 in). This species has a long snout and shows 14-15 pectoral rays;, 5-7 median predorsal scales and 3 rows of scales on cheek. The color of the Cetoscarus ocellatus varies between genders as well as between adults and juveniles. Juveniles are usually white with a thick orange band that surrounds the head, except snout and chin. They have a black circular spot on their dorsal fin and a thick orange band on their rounded tail. Females of the initial phase have a dark purple to reddish brown head, finely spotted with black ventrally. Body shows dorsally a broad, pale yellowish zone while below it is bluish gray. Scales are rimmed and spotted with black. Median fins are brownish red and caudal with a whitish crescent posteriorly. The brightly-coloured terminal males are green, scales are rimmed with pink, head and anterior body show numerous small pink spots. An orange line is running from mouth to anal fin.

Cetoscarus ocellatus is widespread in the coastal waters of Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fishes are found along the southern east coast of Africa, from Somalia to South Africa, in Australia and in Southeast Asia (The Coral Triangle region) and north to southern Japan.

The species name ocellatus refers to the dark ocellus on the dorsal fin of juveniles.