Reeflings

Common name: Gulf parrotfish

Scientific name: Scarus persicus Randall & Bruce, 1983
Picasso trigger fish and parrotfish near coral reef in the Red Sea parrotfish, feeding in a shipwreck at night. reefs of the Sea of Cortez, Pacific ocean. Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Tropical colorful fish - bicolour parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor) and wrasse in shallow ocean. Seascape with corals and fish. Marine life, underwater photography from snorkeling.
Under water photo, small Parrot fish in coral reefs, Tropical ocean, Palau, Pacific
+1 more images

General information

The Persian Parrotfish, Scarus persicus, is a vibrant and colorful species that adds both beauty and activity to a saltwater aquarium. Known for their ability to change colors and patterns throughout their life stages, these fish are fascinating to observe. Juveniles typically exhibit different coloration compared to adults, with males being particularly more vivid.

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 Can be territorial.
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
    Gulf parrotfish
    Scarus persicus Randall & Bruce, 1983

Care

Persian Parrotfish require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and a well-established live rock structure to mimic their natural reef environment. They are herbivores, so a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter is essential for their health. They can be prone to nipping at stony corals and clam mantles, so they are best suited for fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setups.

Reproduction

In the wild, Scarus persicus exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, and specific environmental conditions are required to trigger spawning behavior.

Habitat

Persian Parrotfish are found in the coral reefs of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. They prefer shallow, clear waters where they graze on the reef's algae. Their presence in the reef plays a crucial role in controlling algae growth and maintaining the health of the coral ecosystem.