Nicholsina usta (Valenciennes 1840)

Diagnosis: Fin-ray counts of D-IX,10 A-III,9 are shared by all Caribbean parrotfishes, however pectoral-fin ray counts divide parrotfishes into two groups: Sparisoma, Cryptotomus roseus, and Nicholsina usta all have 13 pectoral-fin rays, while Scarus have a mode of 14-16 pectoral-fin rays (the wrasse Doratonotus megalepis also shares the median fin-ray count but has 11-12 pectoral-fin rays). Larval and transitional markings are unknown, but based on the appearance of the eastern Pacific sibling species, Nicholsina denticulata, recruits have a distinct uniformly dark pattern distinct from C. roseus and Sparisoma

Body somewhat elongate, the depth contained 3 to 3.2 times in SL. Snout somewhat pointed; a small dermal cirrus at edge of anterior nostril; teeth fused only basally, thus not fully coalesced to form dental plates. Gill rakers 12 or 13. Caudal fin slightly rounded; pectoral fin-rays 13. Median predorsal scales 4 or 5; 1 row of scales on cheek. Colour: mottled olive green on back, the scales of sides with bluish white centres and reddish edges; head below level of mouth yellow; 2 diagonal narrow red-orange bands on cheek; median fins reddish, dorsal fin with a black blotch at front.

Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 9

Abundant in seagrasses (Ref. 102062). Usually in very shallow water but has been recorded at depths of over 80 m (Ref. 52834). Also found in estuaries (Ref. 122478), reef slope and a transitional zone, between the complex rocky reef and the sandy bottom, characterized by hard structures (Ref 103985).

Maximum depth from Ref. 52834. Inhabits seagrass beds and open bottom, mostly in shallow water. Larger adults live in deeper water. Not commonly marketed for food (Ref. 52834).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries

Western Atlantic: New Jersey, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Absent in Bermuda, Bahamas and West Indies