In some cases the groups are directed by a reproductive male also known as the super male who in most cases is a female who has reversed her sex. It’s also common to see them making-up groups of up to forty specimens looking for food together in the vicinity of coral reefs. Parrot fish are very social animals that live in groups of several females submitted by a single male. they are common in the Caribbean and some rocky shores. The reef areas are their favorite, however some species are found in areas with seagrass. They are a very abundant species in tropical waters, also in subtropics, but they don’t inhabit deep waters. Parrot fish are distributed in the Pacific, the Indian, the Atlantic and the Red Sea mainly in warm waters. They usually live in transparent lagoons and offshore reefs and can submerge until they reach 30 meters deep. We invite you to read our article the anatomy of fish to learn about such an interesting topic It’s estimated that within a year, a fish is only able to turn a vast area of coral into sand. Parrot fish are highly prized due to their ecological impact on coral reefs, since they contribute to the creation of sediments in them. Parrot fish also have a dorsal fin of 9 spines, an anal fin with three and finally the pelvic fin has only one spine. They are teeth grouped in a compact package that fuse and give the beak shape. It’s worth mentioning that they have a parrot-like denture and hence the origin of their name. In some species the scales are so thick that it’s said that they can stop the impact of a spear. Red, blue, yellow, gray, brown and black are the most common colors in this family. Their body is covered with large cycloid scales, that is, arranged so that their surfaces overlap each other, so that together they form a relatively smooth surface as well as bright and contrasting colors that often form a characteristic pattern of dots, spots and stripes. One of the most challenging aspects of keeping parrotfish is their very specific feeding habits.Īlthough parrotfishes feed primarily on algae, they can also be trained to accept shrimp and seaweed sheets.īreeding parrotfishes in the home aquarium is difficult due to their large size.īicolor Parrotfishes, Princess Parrotfishes, Bowe’s Parrotfishes, etc.An average adult of this species usually measures about 90 centimeters in length and weighs around 30 kilograms. When given adequate care and attention, parrotfish can often live for up to 13 years in captivity. Parrotfishes also excrete a mucus-like substance to form a protective cocoon around themselves in the night. They may however prey on smaller species of fish and crustaceans on occasion. They are an extremely peaceful species of fish and make excellent additions to community aquariums. The aquarium should also be decorated heavily with rocks and live plants to provide numerous hiding places for the fish. Most species grow between 12-20 inches in length and should only be housed in large aquariums with sufficient swimming space. They enjoy grazing on coral and rock for algae and adult specimens can wreak havoc on a reef aquarium. One of the most challenging aspects of keeping parrotfishes is their very specific feeding habits.
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