Princess parrotfish (Scarus taeniopterus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Scaridae (parrotfishes; now often placed in Labridae)
Origin
Caribbean, southern Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda; reefs and sandy patches at 3–25 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
750 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes
Lifespan
Up to 20 years

Care

An active fish that swims long distances over the reef while grazing, so it needs a long tank with plenty of open space; the 750-litre minimum is our estimate. Provide caves, as it shelters in them at night. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity SG 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-oxygenated water. Active by day. Most wild fish live five years or less, though some reach 20. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarustaeniopterus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A grazer of algae, which it scrapes off surfaces, and sometimes coral polyps. Offer nori, marine algae, spirulina foods and some frozen meaty foods several times daily.

Breeding

Spawns year-round in low light in the wild, peaking in summer, with no parental care; eggs drift and hatch in about a day. Fish may be born male or change sex later. Not bred in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list rates it reef safe, but it may graze on coral polyps; watch it with stony corals. Peaceful with most fish of similar size.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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