Bicolor Parrotfish - Medium

Bicolor Parrotfish

The Bicolor Parrotfish is one of the few Parrotfish to be considered for an aquarium. It is really only suitable for public aquariums, or expert aquarists with a large enough tank. As well as growing considerably as they mature, their colour alters dramatically. They may also change sex from female to male. As juveniles, they have a similar colour to Clownfish; whiteish with an orange band over the head. As female adults (the initial stage) they are a dark brown colour with a cream patch on their upper body. During the male terminal phase, they develop an assortment of more vivid colours. The head is turquoise/green, which merges into a pink and green body pattern. The dorsal and anal fins are pink and green. It has a pink tail with a blue crescent in its center. This is a large species of fish that can grow to 30 inches (76 centimeters).

Bicolor Parrotfish are hermaphroditic. They start off as females before switching to males. They haven't been bred in captivity but are group spawners in the wild.

The Bicolor Parrotfish - Cetoscarus bicolor, is native to the Red Sea. (There is a similar species - Cetoscarus ocellatus which is more widespread. This is also sometimes called a Bicolor Parrotfish). Their natural habitat is on coral reefs and in lagoons, usually between depths of 1-30 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Bicolor Parrotfish

Bicolour Parrotfish need a large tank of at least 150 gallons (567 liters).

This species is not reef safe; it may damage coral unintentionally when grazing on live rock. It will also consume stony corals. They need a highly oxygenated tank, with strong water movement and filtration.

A suitable aquarium should contain plenty of live rock for grazing. There should also be a variety of hiding places for when the Parrotfish feels threatened. There needs to be plenty of swimming space for this active species and a high level of water quality is essential.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Bicolor Parrotfish are semi-aggressive. In the confines of a tank, it will show aggression to other tank mates including conspecifics. It is recommended to add them to a tank last, as they will become territorial with newcomers.

Usually Compatible

Suitable tankmates include Angelfish, Batfish, Cardinalfish and Rabbitfish. They will also be fine to keep with Hogfish, Squirrelfish, and Tangs.

Sometime Compatible

Caution is advised with Anglerfish and Frogfish. The same is true of Basslets, Gobies, Lion/Scorpionfish, Triggerfish, and Wrasses.

Rarely Compatible

Don't house them with Seahorses or Pipefish as these are far too delicate to cohabit with these fish. Live Corals and Invertebrates aren't recommended either as they may become to a meal.

Feeding your Bicolor Parrotfish

Bicolor Parrotfish are omnivores. They will graze on algae and live rock in the tank which supplements their diet. They eat a variety of meat and vegetable produce. Suitable items include vitamin-enriched brine & Mysis shrimp, krill, prawns, and mussels. Spirulina, sponge-based preparations, and nori seaweed are recommended herbivorous products. They should be fed small amounts 3 times per day.