{"product_id":"green-parrotfish","title":"Green Parrotfish","description":"\u003ch3\u003eGreen Parrotfish: The Giant Algae Grazer of the Reef\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eGreen Parrotfish\u003c\/b\u003e (Chlorurus bleekeri) is a large, highly active, and important herbivore of the reef ecosystem. Though sometimes referred to by its older scientific name, Scarus bleekeri, it is correctly classified as part of the genus \u003cb\u003eChlorurus\u003c\/b\u003e within the Parrotfish family Scaridae. Like many Parrotfish, it exhibits dramatic sexual color changes, transitioning from the subdued \u003cb\u003eInitial Phase (IP)\u003c\/b\u003e to the brilliant \u003cb\u003eTerminal Phase (TP) male\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eTerminal Phase male\u003c\/b\u003e is the most striking, characterized by its dominant \u003cb\u003eblue-green body\u003c\/b\u003e coloration, scales edged with pink, and a distinctive **green-bordered white or cream patch** on the cheek. This vibrant pattern is what inspires the name \u003cb\u003eGreen Parrotfish\u003c\/b\u003e. The \u003cb\u003eInitial Phase\u003c\/b\u003e (females and non-terminal males) is a much less flashy blend of dark brown or purplish with \u003cb\u003ebroad, pale horizontal bars\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHailing from the Indo-Pacific, this species can reach an impressive size, growing up to \u003cb\u003e19 inches (49 cm)\u003c\/b\u003e. Its large size and continuous grazing lifestyle mean it is suitable only for \u003cb\u003eextremely large, well-established public or custom home aquariums\u003c\/b\u003e (a minimum size of \u003cb\u003e500+ gallons\u003c\/b\u003e is recommended). They are \u003cb\u003econstant grazers\u003c\/b\u003e and their demanding dietary needs and bioload require expert-level husbandry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e As an adult, the \u003cb\u003eGreen Parrotfish\u003c\/b\u003e is a dedicated \u003cb\u003eHerbivore\u003c\/b\u003e (scraper). Its specialized beak-like dental plates are used to constantly scrape \u003cb\u003efilamentous algae and turf algae\u003c\/b\u003e from rock and dead coral surfaces. They require an enormous supply of natural algae, which must be supplemented with liberal amounts of dried **Nori\/seaweed sheets** (offered multiple times daily), along with high-quality, vegetable-based marine pellets and flakes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/b\u003e It is \u003cb\u003eReef Safe With Extreme Caution\u003c\/b\u003e (Expert Only). While their primary diet is algae, their constant and powerful scraping action means large Parrotfish \u003cb\u003ewill damage or inadvertently consume stony corals\u003c\/b\u003e (especially SPS) while targeting the algae growing on or beneath the coral skeleton. They are generally safe with most motile ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e It is \u003cb\u003eSemi-Aggressive \/ Boisterous\u003c\/b\u003e. It is a powerful, active swimmer that requires spacious quarters and should only be housed with large, robust tankmates. It may show aggression toward conspecifics or similar-looking wrasses, making it best kept singly unless the system is massive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSpecial Care:\u003c\/b\u003e This fish produces a \u003cb\u003every high bioload\u003c\/b\u003e. Maintaining pristine water quality is non-negotiable and requires \u003cstrong\u003eindustrial-strength protein skimming, ample live rock, and a rigorous schedule of large water changes\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Chlorurus bleekeri (Syn. Scarus bleekeri)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Green Parrotfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Bleeker's Parrotfish, Bleeker's Scarus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/b\u003e Up to 19 inches (49 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Semi-Aggressive \/ Boisterous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Herbivore (Constant grazer of turf\/filamentous algae)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 500+ Gallons (Expert-only system)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/b\u003e With Extreme Caution (May damage coral)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Large (4-6\")","offer_id":51377820336427,"sku":"24365","price":223.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1141\/1330\/files\/Green-Parrotfish.webp?v=1760150516","url":"https:\/\/aquariumfish.com\/products\/green-parrotfish","provider":"AquariumFish.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}