Rusty Parrotfish
NameRusty Parrotfish
Scientific NameScarus ferrugineus
Common NamesRusty Parrotfish, Red Sea Parrotfish
FamilyScaridae
OriginRed Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean
Temperamentcommunity
Dietherbivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)300
Max Size (Inches)18
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesTangs, Large Angelfish, Groupers, Triggerfish (with caution), Other large, peaceful marine fish
Description
The Rusty Parrotfish is a large, vibrantly colored marine fish native to the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Males, like the one pictured, display striking patterns of blue, green, yellow, and purple. They are crucial herbivores on coral reefs, using their fused, beak-like teeth to scrape algae from rocks and corals.
