Scarus abildgaardii; Print; Scarus is a genus of parrotfishes. With 52 currently recognised extant species; it is by far the largest genus in this group. The vast majority are found at reefs in the Indo-Pacific; but a small number of species are found in the warmer parts of the eastern Pacific and the western Atlantic; with a single species; Scarus hoefleri in the eastern Atlantic. Most are very colourful; and have strikingly different initial (males and females) and terminal (males only) phases. Adults of most species reach maximum lengths of between 30 and 50 cm (12-20 in); but the rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia) can grow to lengths of 1.2 m (3.9 ft).; 1798-1876