SCARUS ZUFAR, A NEW SPECIES OF PARROTFISH FROM SOUTHERN OMAN, WITH COMMENTS ON ENDEMISM OF THE AREA

Scarus zufar is described from three adult specimens collected in the Arabian Sea off Dhofar (Zufar), the southern province of Oman. It is d istinguished by the following combination of characters: four median p redorsal scales; two cheek scale rows; usually 15 pectoral rays; no te eth on side of dental plates; upper dental plate three-fourths covered by lip; lower dental plate three-fourths exposed; caudal fin truncate with pointed lobes; terminal males with a green snout, this color con tinuous with a broad band from chin to and encircling eye; five irregu lar, vertical, blue-green bands in centroposterior part of caudal hn, and orange pectoral bm; initial phase similar in color of body and fin s, but with much less green on head.