Common name: loro

Scientific name: Sparisoma chrysopterum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
A Redtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma chrysopterum) in Florida, USARedtail parrotfish in the Mesoamerican Reef
Sleeping Redtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma chrysopterum)

General information

The Redtail Parrotfish, also known as the Stoplight Parrotfish, is a colorful and dynamic addition to any large marine aquarium. This species is known for its remarkable ability to change colors and patterns as it matures, with juveniles displaying a completely different appearance from adults. The Redtail Parrotfish is a bioeroder, meaning it plays a crucial role in the reef ecosystem by grazing on algae and dead coral, which helps to prevent algal overgrowth and maintain the health of coral reefs.

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 Prone to nip at corals
Diet
Herbivore Prefers algae, offer varied veggie diet
Social
Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and clam mantles
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial, especially towards conspecifics
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Parrotfish
    Scaridae
  6. Genus
    Parrotfish
    Sparisoma
  7. Species
    loro
    Sparisoma chrysopterum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
  8. Synonyms
    Scarus brachialis Poey, 1861
    Scarus chloris Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Scarus chrysopoma Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Scarus chrysopterus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Scarus flavescens Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Scarus lateralis Poey, 1860
    Scarus maschalespilos Bleeker, 1862
    Scarus squalidus Poey, 1860
    Scarus virens Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840
    Sparisoma abildgaardi (Bloch, 1791)
    Sparisoma brachiale (Poey, 1861)
    Sparisoma elongatum Meek & Hildebrand, 1928
    Sparisoma flavescens (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
    Sparisoma lorito Jordan & Swain, 1884
    Sparisoma squalidum (Poey, 1860)
    Sparus abildgaardi Bloch, 1791

Care

Sparisoma chrysopterum requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not suitable for reef aquariums as they have a tendency to nip at and consume stony and soft corals, as well as clams. A varied diet that includes algae, marine-based plant matter, and occasional meaty foods will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Redtail Parrotfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and potentially changing to males as they mature. They exhibit complex mating behaviors and are not commonly bred in captivity due to their size and social dynamics.

Habitat

Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, the Redtail Parrotfish is commonly found in shallow, coral-rich areas and seagrass beds. They are often observed grazing in small groups and can be found at depths ranging from 3 to 25 meters.