Common name: Yellowbarred parrotfish

General information

The Half-and-half parrotfish, Scarus dimidiatus, is a colorful and active member of the parrotfish family. It is known for its distinctive coloration, with the front half of the body being a bright blue or green and the rear half a darker shade, often brown or grey. This species plays a crucial role in the health of coral reefs by grazing on algae and dead coral, which helps to prevent algal overgrowth and promotes coral growth.

Care

Scarus dimidiatus requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are best suited for larger reef or fish-only tanks due to their size and feeding habits. A varied diet that includes algae and marine-based plant matter is essential for their well-being. It's important to note that parrotfish can be quite destructive to corals and invertebrates, so they may not be suitable for a mixed reef tank.

Reproduction

In the wild, Half-and-half 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. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging due to their specific requirements and social dynamics.

Habitat

The natural habitat of Scarus dimidiatus includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are commonly found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters. Their distribution spans from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and Micronesia.