Common name: Lama G. Cuvier, 1800

Scientific name: Leptoscarus vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Parrotfish
    Scaridae
  6. Genus
    Parrotfish
    Leptoscarus
  7. Species
    Lama G. Cuvier, 1800
    Leptoscarus vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
  8. Synonyms
    Calliodon chlorolepis Richardson, 1845
    Calliodon chlorolepsis Richardson, 1844
    Leptoscarus 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, 1840
    Scarus bottae Valenciennes, 1840
    Scarus caeruleo-punctatus Rüppell, 1835
    Scarus coeruleopunctatus Rüppell, 1835
    Scarus naevius Valenciennes, 1840
    Scarus rubronotatus Valenciennes, 1840
    Scarus 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.