Description
A large, fast-swimming parrotfish distinguished by its long pointed snout and powerful beak-like teeth used to scrape algae from rocks and coral surfaces. Adults display stunning shades of blue, green, turquoise, and pink, while juveniles are typically brownish-red with pale markings. It is an active grazer that spends most of the day feeding and swimming over reef flats.
Lighting
Moderate to strong lighting
(Mimics its natural shallow reef habitat)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Mid to upper water column
Requires extensive open swimming space and abundant live rock for grazing.
Temperature
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity
1.023–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Diet
Herbivore / Omnivore
Foods:
Marine algae (nori, seaweed sheets)
Spirulina flakes and pellets
Algae growing on live rock
Mysis shrimp
Chopped seafood
High-quality herbivore preparations
Adult Size (up to)
~70 cm (28 inches)
Care Level
Advanced
