Common name: Bower's parrotfish

General information

The Bowers' Parrotfish, scientifically known as Chlorurus bowersi, is a vibrant and colorful member of the parrotfish family. This species is known for its striking appearance, with males typically displaying a mix of bright blues, greens, and pinks along with their characteristic 'spectacles' - the white rings around their eyes. Juveniles and females tend to have a more subdued coloration, often with shades of brown or grey.

Parrotfish are named for their beak-like teeth, which are used to scrape algae from coral and rocks. This feeding behavior is crucial for the health of coral reefs as it helps prevent algal overgrowth.

Care

Bowers' Parrotfish require large, well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock to graze on. They are not the best choice for reef aquariums as they can cause significant damage to live corals due to their feeding habits. These fish are best kept in fish-only or fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) setups.

A varied diet that includes algae and marine-based foods is essential for their health. Due to their size and active nature, they also need ample swimming space.

Reproduction

Like many parrotfish, Chlorurus bowersi exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the wild, they form harems with a dominant male overseeing a group of females.

Habitat

Bowers' Parrotfish are found in the Western Pacific, particularly around reefs and lagoons of the Central and Western Pacific Ocean. They are commonly associated with high-energy reef fronts and slopes.