Princess Parrotfish
Princess Parrotfish, Scarus taeniopterus, is a moderately-sized Parrot, but is still best reserved for larger, fish-only aquariums. In the wild, this fish is seen in vast numbers (often swimming with Wrasses of the Thalassoma genus.) It is a favorite among divers of the waters of the Caribbean. In the home aquarium, it will not bother soft corals, but will chew chunks from stony corals with its beak-shaped mouth as it grazes for algae that may be growing on the skeleton of the coral. Parrotfish are ravenous eaters that require multiple daily feedings of a varied omnivore diet that should include great portions of algae and seaweed sheets. Meaty frozen preparations should eventually be accepted as would a high-quality pellet food. Due to its thin volume, flake will likely not satisfy its appetite. Basically peaceful, it will rarely bother other fish (with the possible exception of other Parrotfish) and will even disregard invertebrates. It is not caught for food by natives of its indigenous areas because its flesh has been associated with ciguatera. This is a poisoning caused by ingesting fish contaminated with ciguatoxin and is characterized by gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Other than by consumption, this fish poses no threat to humans. With proper space and diet, the Princess Parrot can add color and character to the home aquarium.
Approximate Arrival Size for Princess Parrotfish: Small: 2 to 3 in.; Medium: 3 to 4.5 in.; Large: 5 to 6.5 in.
Detailed Information about this species
