Description
Blue-Barred Parrotfish – Scarus ghobban
Scarus ghobban, commonly known as the Blue-Barred Parrotfish, is a vibrant and powerful reef grazer admired for its turquoise body adorned with electric blue and pink stripes. This species undergoes dramatic color transformation as it matures—juveniles show mottled greens and browns, while terminal-phase males exhibit brilliant neon blues and purple highlights. Constantly active, S. ghobban plays a vital ecological role in reef health by grazing on algae and biofilm, preventing overgrowth on coral surfaces.
Origin: Indo-Pacific – from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan, Australia, and the Tuamotu Archipelago
Depth: 1–30 m (3–100 ft)
Lighting: Moderate to high (enhances iridescent body tones)
Flow: Moderate to strong; thrives in high-oxygen reef environments with consistent movement
Tank Placement: Mid to lower water column; requires open swimming areas and rocky substrates for grazing
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.022–1.026 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Herbivorous – scrapes algae and detritus from rocks; supplement with nori, spirulina, and marine herbivore blends
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; active but not overtly territorial
Size: Up to 70 cm (28 inches)
Care Level: Advanced – requires a large, mature aquarium (minimum 1000 L / 265 gal) and abundant live rock for grazing
Compatibility: Best suited to large reef or fish-only systems with sturdy tankmates; avoid housing with delicate corals due to natural foraging behavior
