Abstract
In the taxonomic study of the parrotfishes Scaridae, Schultz (1969) noted that Scarus viridi-fucatus Smith (1956) from the western Indian Ocean is a synonym of Scarus ovifrons, which is mainly distributed in southern Japan.However, a careful examination of the two species revealed that S.viridifucatus is distinct from S.ovifrons.Several distinct morphological differences between them are as follows (counts and notes given in parentheses are first for S.ovifrons then for S.viridi-fucatus): median predorsal scales (6, 4); scales in third row on the cheek (1, 2);pectoral fin rays (ii 13, ii 12);main and rudimentary rows of teeth on the upper pharyngeal (1+0, 1+2); inter-digitation of upper pharyngeal teeth (shallow, deep); shape of main teeth on upper pharyngeal (semicircular, notched); length/width ratio of the lower dental plate (1.75, 2.80).
