Common name: striped parrotfish
General information
The Striped Parrotfish, Scarus iseri, is a colorful and active species that adds both beauty and interest to the saltwater aquarium. It is known for its ability to change colors and patterns as it matures, with juveniles typically displaying a different coloration than adults. This species is part of the Parrotfish family, which are known for their beak-like teeth that they use to scrape algae off of hard surfaces.
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 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Herbivore Algae-based diet; enjoys nori
- Social
- School Best in groups, can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially towards conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyParrotfishScaridae
- GenusParrotfishScarus
- Speciesstriped parrotfishScarus iseri (Bloch, 1789)
- SynonymsCalliodon lineatus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Callyodon iseri Bloch, 1789Callyodon iserti Bloch, 1789Callyodon margaritus (Cartier, 1874)Scarus alternans Valenciennes, 1840Scarus aracanga Günther, 1862Scarus croicensis Bloch, 1790Scarus croicensis bloch , 1790Scarus diadema Valenciennes, 1840Scarus flavomarginatus Valenciennes, 1840Scarus insulaesanctaecrucis Bloch & Schneider, 1801Scarus iserti (Bloch, 1789)Scarus punctulatus Valenciennes, 1840
Care
Striped Parrotfish require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to mimic their natural reef environment. They are herbivores, so a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter is essential. They can be territorial, so it's important to introduce them to the aquarium carefully, especially if other parrotfish are present.
Reproduction
In the wild, Striped 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 not commonly done by hobbyists due to their complex social and reproductive behaviors.
Habitat
Striped Parrotfish are found in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil. They are commonly seen grazing on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky substrates. In the aquarium, they require similar conditions with clean, well-oxygenated water.