Scarus ghobban Forsskål in Niebuhr 1775 —Blue-barred parrotfish

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and by Barry C. Russell on 7–21 June 2014; a video of a specimen taken at Alexander Passage, off southeastern New Hanover, at 5–14 m depth, St. KR 96, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Panama, north to southern Japan and Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia, Lord Howe Island and Rapa. Found in lagoon and seaward coral reefs, on slopes and drop-offs; juveniles inshore on algae reef habitat; entering silty, murky environments, 1–90 m depth. Transitional water and marine.