Reef Parrotfish
NameReef Parrotfish
Scientific NameScarus vetula
Common NamesQueen Parrotfish, Reef Parrotfish
FamilyScaridae
OriginWestern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, Florida
Temperamentcommunity
Dietherbivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)300
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesTangs, Large Angelfish, Groupers, Triggerfish (with caution), Other large Wrasses
Description
The Queen Parrotfish is a large, vibrant marine fish known for its distinctive beak-like mouth, which it uses to scrape algae from coral and rocks. Terminal males, like the one pictured, display brilliant blue-green bodies with pinkish-purple facial markings and an orange-bordered caudal fin. These fish are vital to reef health, preventing algal overgrowth and contributing to sand production.
