Common name: Lama G. Cuvier, 1800
General information
The Marbled Parrotfish, scientifically known as Leptoscarus vaigiensis, is a colorful and active species that can add both movement and a splash of color to a fish-only or large reef aquarium. They are known for their beak-like teeth, which are used to scrape algae off rocks and coral. As they mature, their coloration and patterns become more pronounced, with males typically displaying more vibrant colors than females.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample grazing space
- Diet
- Herbivore Algae grazer, may need supplements
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tank mates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyParrotfishScaridae
- GenusParrotfishLeptoscarus
- SpeciesLama G. Cuvier, 1800Leptoscarus vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- SynonymsCalliodon chlorolepis Richardson, 1845Calliodon chlorolepsis Richardson, 1844Leptoscarus coeruleopunctatus (Ruppell, 1835)Leptoscarus vaigeinsis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Leptoscarus vaigensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Leptoscarus vaigienis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Scarichthys auritus (Valenciennes, 1840)Scarichthys caeruleopunctatus (Ruppell, 1835)Scarus auritus Valenciennes, 1840Scarus bottae Valenciennes, 1840Scarus caeruleo-punctatus Rüppell, 1835Scarus coeruleopunctatus Rüppell, 1835Scarus naevius Valenciennes, 1840Scarus rubronotatus Valenciennes, 1840Scarus vaigiensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
Care
Marbled Parrotfish require a spacious tank with plenty of live rock to graze on and room to swim. They are not suitable for small or nano tanks due to their size and activity level. These fish are herbivores and should be provided with a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter. They can be prone to ich and other common fish diseases, so maintaining excellent water quality and a stress-free environment is crucial.
Reproduction
In the wild, Marbled Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They exhibit a complex mating behavior, including the formation of harems and spawning in the water column.
Habitat
Marbled Parrotfish are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to seagrass beds, often in areas with abundant algae growth. They are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region. In the aquarium, they require a habitat that mimics these conditions with plenty of open space and live rock for grazing.