Calotomus viridescens (Rüppell 1835)

Head and body gray-brown with darker scale edges, paler ventrally. Numerous dark spots on scales on operculum and region circumscribed by pectoral fin. Flexible dorsal spines; caudal fin rounded in juveniles, double emarginate in adults; pectoral fin base yellowish, the rest unpigmented; pale pelvic fins with 2 reddish bars, at the center and near the base. Skin dark, almost black around anus. Orangish iris.

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 25

Inhabits coral and rocky reefs and grass bed areas to depths of about 30 m (Ref. 9710). Occurs singly or in small groups (Ref. 9710). Feeds mainly on marine angiosperms and epiphytic algae. Caught mainly with traps, nets and other types of artisanal gear.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: high; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family

Calotomus viridescens, commonly known as the viridescent- or dotted parrotfish, is a species of parrotfish native to the waters of the Maldives and Red Sea, from the Gulf of Aqaba to south to the Chagos Archipelago. It was described by the German naturalist Eduard Rüppell in 1835.

May be seen in seagrass beds as well as on coral reefs and rocky sea bottom..