Common name: Japanese parrotfish
General information
The Japanese Parrotfish, Calotomus japonicus, is a vibrant and active species known for its beak-like mouthparts, which are used to scrape algae from hard surfaces. This species is a part of the Scaridae family, which includes other parrotfish known for their important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling algae growth.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life
- Diet
- Herbivore Grazes on algae
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at other herbivores
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyParrotfishScaridae
- GenusParrotfishCalotomus
- SpeciesJapanese parrotfishCalotomus japonicus (Valenciennes, 1840)
- SynonymsCallyodon japonicus Valenciennes, 1840Calotomus cyclurus Jenkins, 1903Leptoscarus japonicus (Valenciennes, 1840)
Care
Calotomus japonicus requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of live rock to graze on and hide among. They are herbivores, so their diet should consist mainly of marine algae and vegetable-based foods. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Japanese Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of space can encourage natural behaviors.
Habitat
Native to the Western Pacific, including Japan, Taiwan, and the East China Sea, Calotomus japonicus is typically found in shallow, subtropical waters around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They play a crucial role in their natural habitat by grazing on algae and preventing it from overgrowing on corals.