Common name: Chameleon parrotfish

General information

The Chameleon Parrotfish, Scarus chameleon, is a vibrant and dynamic addition to any saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its remarkable ability to change colors, which is where it gets its common name. The color changes are not only a spectacle for the eyes but also serve as a communication mechanism among individuals and for camouflage against predators.

Care

Chameleon Parrotfish require a spacious tank with plenty of live rock to graze on algae and hide. They are active swimmers and need room to move freely. It's important to note that they have beak-like teeth designed to scrape algae off hard surfaces, which can sometimes damage live corals. Therefore, they are best suited for fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setups.

Reproduction

In the wild, Chameleon Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding Chameleon Parrotfish is quite challenging and rarely occurs.

Habitat

Chameleon Parrotfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa, east to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and are often seen grazing in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs.