Common name: Blue kwab

General information

The Blue Parrotfish, Scarus coeruleus, is a vibrant marine species known for its striking blue coloration and beak-like mouthparts used for scraping algae off coral and rocks. This species is a member of the Scaridae family, which includes fish commonly referred to as parrotfish due to their parrot-like beaks.

Adult Blue Parrotfish are predominantly blue with a yellow spot on their heads, which fades as they age. Juveniles exhibit a different color pattern, with a combination of white, blue, and yellow.

Care

Blue Parrotfish require large aquariums due to their size and active swimming behavior. They are not the easiest fish to keep in captivity, as they have specific dietary needs and can be quite destructive to coral structures due to their natural feeding habits.

Hobbyists should provide a varied diet that includes plenty of algae and live rock for grazing. It's crucial to ensure that the tank environment closely mimics their natural reef habitat.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male later in life. They exhibit complex social and mating behaviors, which are challenging to replicate in the home aquarium.

Habitat

Blue Parrotfish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic, from Maryland, USA, to Bermuda, and south to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and are often seen grazing in shallow waters.

Their presence is vital for the health of coral reefs, as they play a crucial role in controlling algae growth and contributing to the sand production through the digestion of coral rock.