Common name: Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish

General information

The Steephead Parrotfish, scientifically known as Chlorurus strongylocephalus, is a vibrant and intriguing species popular among advanced aquarists. This species is known for its striking coloration and the prominent bulbous forehead in mature males, which gives it the alternative name 'Bumphead Parrotfish'. They are a part of the Scaridae family, which are known for their unique beak-like teeth structure used for scraping algae off hard surfaces.

Care

Caring for Steephead Parrotfish requires a spacious tank due to their large adult size and active swimming behavior. They are herbivores, predominantly feeding on algae, so a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable-based foods is essential. They are also known to graze on live rock, which helps in controlling algae growth in the aquarium. Due to their size and feeding habits, they are best suited for large, well-established reef or fish-only tanks with plenty of live rock for grazing.

Reproduction

In the wild, Steephead Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. They exhibit complex social and mating behaviors, often forming harems with a dominant male. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare and challenging due to their size and social dynamics.

Habitat

Steephead Parrotfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs, often in clear lagoons and seaward reefs, where they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by grazing on algae and helping to prevent overgrowth that can smother corals.