Parrotfish Care Guide Parrotfish are a vibrant and active addition to a saltwater aquarium, but require specific care to thrive. This guide outlines essential aspects of their care: Aquarium Setup Tank Size: Provide ample swimming space. A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a single parrotfish, with larger tanks needed for multiple fish or larger species. Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions: Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C) pH: 6.5-7.5 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: <20 ppm Substrate and Decorations: Fine sand substrate to mimic their natural habitat and allow for natural foraging behaviors. Live rock or artificial structures for hiding, caves, and swimming areas. Consider adding macroalgae for grazing. Filtration: Robust filtration is crucial due to their active nature and bioload. A protein skimmer is recommended. Diet Herbivorous Grazers: Parrotfish are primarily herbivores, grazing on algae and seaweed. Varied Algae Diet: Provide nori sheets, dried seaweed, and spirulina flakes. Supplement with Vegetables: You can also offer blanched or finely chopped vegetables. Limit Meaty Foods: Avoid excessive animal-based proteins. Feeding Pellets: Soft cichlid pellets can be a suitable option. Tank Mates Generally Peaceful: Parrotfish are typically peaceful, but can become territorial. Select Compatible Species: Avoid aggressive or very small, delicate fish. Suitable Companions: Consider larger tetras, cory catfish, rainbowfish, and bristle nose plecos. Behavior Active Nature: They are active swimmers who enjoy exploring. Digging: Parrotfish may dig and forage in the substrate. Hiding Places: Provide caves and hiding spots to reduce stress. Observe for Aggression: Monitor their behavior and separate if necessary. Health Quarantine: Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank. Monitor for Disease: Watch for signs of illness. Address Issues Promptly: Seek expert advice for treatment. Important Notes Species Research: Parrotfish have varying care needs depending on the species. Observe Carefully: Monitor their behavior, feeding, and health. Consult Experts: Seek advice when needed. Ethics of Hybrid Breeding: Be aware of ethical concerns surrounding hybrid breeding. Overfishing Concerns: Some parrotfish species face overfishing, affecting coral reefs. Coral Reef Health: Parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining coral reef health. Sand Production: They contribute to the formation of white sand beaches.