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Little Shop of Coral

Bicolour Parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor)

Bicolour Parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor)

$80.00 CAD
$80.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Bicolour Parrotfish is a striking, open-water grazer with a unique shape and constant motion that makes it a true show fish in large marine displays. Parrotfish are powerful swimmers and natural algae scrapers in the wild, and they require a big, stable system with heavy filtration and lots of swimming room. This species is not recommended for typical reef tanks due to its feeding behaviour and the risk to corals and inverts.

Why we love it

  • Incredible presence and nonstop movement in large displays

  • Unique body shape and bold colouration that stands out instantly

  • Great feature fish for experienced keepers with the right system

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (lower is better with large fish)

  • High oxygenation: Strong flow and surface agitation recommended

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but large and boisterous

  • Reef safe: No (may graze on corals, rock surfaces, and invertebrates)

  • Minimum tank size: 300 gallons recommended (larger is strongly preferred long-term)

Diet

Parrotfish need a consistent grazing-focused diet and variety.

  • Nori/seaweed sheets (daily is ideal)

  • Spirulina-based flakes and pellets

  • Frozen herbivore blends

  • Occasional meaty foods like mysis or chopped seafood for variety

  • Feed 2 to 3 smaller meals per day when possible

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Best with other large, peaceful to semi-aggressive fish in big systems

  • Avoid small, timid fish that may be stressed by its size and activity

  • Not compatible with typical reef clean-up crews and many ornamental inverts

  • Provide open swimming space plus sturdy rockwork that cannot shift

Behaviour and tank impact note

Parrotfish can scrape rock and surfaces while grazing and may disturb aquascapes, frags, and corals. Plan your setup with this in mind.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Bicolour Parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor)

  • Colour, pattern, and size can vary between individuals

As with all large marine fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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