Common Parrotfish

Scarus Parrotfish should only be added to very large aquariums with sufficient algae growth on the live rock. Ample cracks, crevices and caves should also be provided for hiding and grazing. Parrotfish will bite the live rock with the algae, consume the algae, and grind the rock with their plate like teeth in the back of their throat which produces sand. The sand is then deposited on the bottom of the ocean. Parrotfish need sufficient room for swimming and grazing on algae. House with other peaceful tank mates. Ensure a constant supply of algae based foods are available, supplementing with prepared algae based foods with Spirulina. Most Parrotfish will exhibit color differences between juveniles, females and males.

Common Parrotfish are also sometimes known as the Batavian or Pale Nose Parrotfish. Uncommonly seen in the aquarium trade. Common Parrotfish can range in color depending on their age. Generally green to tan color with pink to blue scaled margins, light purple to gray colored shout and a blue to light purple caudal fin while females are an overall red brown color to gray and adult males are generally a bright yellow. Common Parrotfish can grow to almost 17".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH