Common name: Yellowband parrotfish

General information

Schlegel's Parrotfish, also known as the Yellowbar Parrotfish, is a vibrant and active species that adds both color and dynamic behavior to a saltwater aquarium. This species is named after Hermann Schlegel, a German ornithologist, reflecting the bird-like beak structure that parrotfish use to scrape algae from hard surfaces.

Care

Caring for Schlegel's Parrotfish requires a spacious tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are herbivores, so their diet should consist primarily of algae and vegetable matter. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Schlegel's Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, often requiring large, species-specific systems to mimic natural conditions.

Habitat

Schlegel's Parrotfish are found in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen grazing on algae-covered surfaces. They are a common sight in their natural range, contributing to the health of coral reefs by controlling algae growth.