Common name: Redfin parrot
General information
The Redfin Parrotfish, Sparisoma rubripinne, is a colorful and dynamic addition to any large marine aquarium. Known for their ability to change colors and patterns as they mature, these fish are a marvel of the underwater world. Juveniles typically exhibit a mottled brown and white appearance, which transitions into a vibrant array of reds, greens, and blues in adults.
Parrotfish are named for their beak-like teeth, which they use to scrape algae off of hard surfaces. This feeding behavior is not only fascinating to observe but also beneficial to the health of coral reefs in the wild, as it helps prevent algal overgrowth.
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 8.1 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
- Pair Pairs or small groups preferable
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clam mantles
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial, especially in pairs
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyParrotfishScaridae
- GenusParrotfishSparisoma
- SpeciesRedfin parrotSparisoma rubripinne (Valenciennes, 1840)
- SynonymsSacrus brachyvarius Longley, 1941Scarus brachyvarius Longley, 1941Scarus circumnotatus Poey, 1861Scarus emarginatus Poey, 1868Scarus rubripinnis Valenciennes, 1840Scarus truncatus Poey, 1868Sparisoma pachycephalum Longley, 1941Sparisoma rhomaleum Meek & Hildebrand, 1928Sparisoma rubripinnis (Valenciennes, 1840)
Care
Redfin Parrotfish require spacious tanks with plenty of live rock to mimic their natural habitat and provide surfaces for algae growth. They are best suited for fish-only or large reef aquariums due to their size and feeding habits. A varied diet that includes both marine algae and prepared foods will keep them healthy and vibrant.
Reproduction
In the wild, Sparisoma rubripinne exhibits complex social and reproductive behaviors, often forming harems with a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but understanding their social dynamics can be key to maintaining harmony within the tank.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, Redfin Parrotfish are commonly found in shallow reefs and seagrass beds. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by grazing on algae and helping to maintain the balance between coral and algal populations.