Common name: Blownose

General information

The Queen Parrotfish, Scarus vetula, is a vibrant and colorful species that adds both beauty and ecological function to a reef aquarium. Known for their ability to change colors and sex during their lifetime, these fish are a fascinating addition to any tank. In the wild, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by grazing on algae.

Care

Queen Parrotfish require large tanks with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to mimic their natural reef environment. They are herbivores, so their diet should consist of a variety of algae and vegetable-based foods. Due to their size and feeding habits, they are best suited for larger, well-established aquariums with stable water conditions.

Reproduction

In the wild, Queen Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and changing to males as they mature. They exhibit complex social and mating behaviors, often forming harems with a dominant male. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists.

Habitat

Native to the tropical Western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, Queen Parrotfish are commonly found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove areas. They are important bioeroders, contributing to the sand production on coral reefs through their feeding activity on hard substrates.

The species is typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters, where they are often seen scraping algae off the coral and rocks with their beak-like teeth.