Reeflings

Common name: Bridled parrotfish

Scientific name: Scarus frenatus Lacepède, 1802
Bridled parrotfish fish in water near coral reef in tropical seaPapagai der See
Bridled parrotfish, sixband or six-banded parrotfish, vermiculate parrotfish (Scarus frenatus) female undersea, Red Sea, Egypt, Sinai, Ras Mohammad national park
Parrot fish (Scarus frenatus), close up in Red sea
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General information

The Bridled Parrotfish, scientifically known as Scarus frenatus, is a vibrant and active member of the reef community. This species is known for its striking coloration, which can vary significantly throughout its life stages. Juveniles typically exhibit a mottled brown and white pattern, while adults can display a range of colors from green and blue to pink and yellow, often with intricate patterns.

Parrotfish are named for their beak-like teeth, which are used to scrape algae and small organisms from coral and rocks. This feeding behavior is crucial for the health of coral reefs as it helps prevent algal overgrowth and promotes coral growth.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
500 liter (130 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
45 cm (1′6″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Herbivore Grazes on algae.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals.
Aggression
Semi aggresive May show aggression.
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Parrotfish
    Scaridae
  6. Genus
    Parrotfish
    Scarus
  7. Species
    Bridled parrotfish
    Scarus frenatus Lacepède, 1802
  8. Synonyms
    Callyodon frenatus (Lacepède, 1802)
    Callyodon sexvittatus (Ruppell, 1835)
    Callyodon upolensis Jordan & Seale, 1906
    Callyodon vermiculatus Fowler & Bean, 1928
    Scarus randalli Schultz, 1958
    Scarus sexvittatus Rüppell, 1835
    Scarus vermiculatus (Fowler & Bean, 1928)

Care

Bridled Parrotfish require large, well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing. They are active swimmers and need ample space to move around. Due to their feeding habits, they may not be suitable for reef aquariums with delicate corals, as they can inadvertently damage them while feeding.

A varied diet that includes algae, marine-based plant matter, and occasional meaty foods will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration. It's important to note that parrotfish produce a significant amount of waste, so efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bridled 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.

Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring a large, species-specific setup and a group of individuals to increase the chances of successful reproduction.

Habitat

Bridled Parrotfish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen grazing on algae-covered surfaces. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping to maintain the balance between coral and algae.

Their natural range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa across to the central Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and Micronesia.