The Blue Parrotfish is listed as Least Concern on the list of endangered species and conservation, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Blue parrotfish’s body is covered with large, smooth scales and they are the only member of their species with a uniform blue color that makes them easy to identify.īlue Parrotfish ( Scarus coeruleus) Are Blue Parrotfish Endangered? Beyond their size, the color of the blue parrotfish scales makes it easy to identify their age and sex from first glace. Blue parrotfish juveniles are typically pale blue in color, while females are a range of blue shades, and males are usually blue green with grey markings. The blue parrotfish enjoys living in coral reefs and shallow coastline waters up to 80 feet in depth and are native to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti.īlue parrotfish are mainly blue in color and born with a yellow spot on their head that fades with age as they develop a bulging snout and more uniform blue hues. The blue parrotfish is also popular in southern Florida regions including but not limited to the Florida Keys. They have been reported as far north as Maryland, U.S.A and as far south as northern South America. They are abundant in the southern region of the Gulf of Mexico and are the second largest parrotfish species to be found in the Caribbean. The blue parrotfish is one of nearly 60 parrotfish species that exist in reef waters today. The scientific name for the blue parrotfish comes from Latin and means blue fish. The Blue Parrotfish, known by the scientific name Scarus coeruleus, is a member of the parrotfish family and is an ocean dwelling fish most often found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

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.Common Name Blue Parrotfish Scientific Name Scarus coeruleus Kingdom Animalia Genus Scarus Family Scaridae Class Actinopterygii

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.

Parrot fish