{"product_id":"dusky-parrotfish-scarus-niger","title":"Dusky Parrotfish - Scarus niger","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dusky Parrotfish, Scarus niger, is a large and striking Indo-Pacific reef fish recognised by its powerful beak-like dental plates and dramatic changes in colour as it matures. Also known as the Swarthy Parrotfish or Black Parrotfish, juveniles are dark with numerous pale spots, while adults develop complex reddish-brown, green, blue and black markings. This active daytime grazer continually scrapes algae and microscopic organisms from coral rock and hard reef surfaces. Although its natural feeding behaviour can help control algal growth, its substantial adult size, powerful jaws and tendency to bite coral and rock make it suitable only for very large specialist marine aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDusky Parrotfish, Swarthy Parrotfish, Black Parrotfish, Dusky Parrot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScarus niger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapable of reaching approximately 44 cm in total length when fully grown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa eastwards to Micronesia, the Society Islands and Tuamotu Archipelago, north to the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands of Japan, and south to Australia, New Caledonia and Tonga.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDusky Parrotfish inhabit clear lagoons, reef channels, coastal reefs, reef crests and outer reef slopes at depths of approximately 0–30 metres. Adults are commonly associated with coral-rich outer reef habitats, while juveniles may occur in small groups among algae-covered inshore reefs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; maintain exceptionally stable salinity, alkalinity, strong oxygenation and consistently excellent water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally peaceful towards unrelated robust fish but potentially territorial towards other parrotfish and similarly shaped reef grazers. Large adults may dominate feeding areas and intimidate smaller or timid species through their size and constant activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe species is usually encountered singly as an adult. Mature males may maintain territories containing several females, so combining multiple adults in captivity requires an exceptionally large aquarium with extensive visual barriers and separate grazing areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily herbivorous reef grazer and microphage. In the wild, the Dusky Parrotfish scrapes benthic algae, microorganisms, detritus and associated organic material from coral rock and hard reef surfaces using fused dental plates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, provide marine algae sheets, nori, spirulina-based foods, specialist herbivore pellets and frozen preparations containing marine algae. Offer additional foods containing finely chopped mysis shrimp, krill and marine plankton to provide dietary variety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural algal growth on mature rockwork should remain available throughout the day. Feed vegetable-rich foods several times daily because this active grazer naturally spends much of its waking period feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 1,200 litres is recommended for one adult, with a very long swimming area, extensive mature rockwork and substantial open space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublic-aquarium-scale accommodation may ultimately be required for a fully grown specimen. Aquarium footprint and swimming length are more important than excessive height.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn active daytime fish that spends much of its time moving across the reef while scraping hard surfaces for algae and microorganisms. Its powerful beak-like dental plates remove material from rock and dead coral, producing fine sediment as the ingested material passes through the digestive system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles are dark greenish to black with numerous small pale spots and contrasting markings around the tail base. Females develop reddish colouration across the head, belly and fins with wavy dark and pale lines along the sides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge terminal-phase males become darker purplish-red towards the front of the body and greenish towards the rear, with dark-edged scales and a distinctive yellow or bright green marking near the upper rear edge of the gill cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDusky Parrotfish are sequential hermaphrodites. Individuals generally begin life as females, with dominant fish later transitioning into terminal-phase males.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt night, parrotfish may rest inside a cave or sheltered reef crevice. Some individuals may produce a thin mucus covering while sleeping, although this behaviour can vary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eNot Reef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Dusky Parrotfish uses powerful dental plates to scrape algae and organic material from reef surfaces. During this process, it may bite living or dead coral skeleton, damage encrusting organisms and disturb carefully arranged reef structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft corals, stony corals, sponges, tunicates and other attached organisms may be damaged or removed while the fish grazes. Loose coral frags and unsecured colonies can also be displaced by its size and feeding activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough ornamental shrimps and snails may not be its primary prey, this species is unsuitable for a conventional mixed reef aquarium because of its destructive grazing behaviour and enormous space requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce the Dusky Parrotfish only to a very large, mature and biologically stable marine aquarium. Extensive established rockwork is essential because the fish relies on continuous natural grazing throughout the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArrange rockwork securely on the aquarium base and use large, stable structures that cannot be overturned. Avoid delicate aquascaping, loosely stacked stones and unsecured coral pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeave a substantial uninterrupted swimming area along the full length of the aquarium. Narrow aquariums or systems filled with dense rockwork may cause repeated abrasions and restrict natural movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide vegetable-rich foods several times daily and maintain natural algal growth on selected rock surfaces. An exceptionally clean or sterile aquarium may fail to supply sufficient continuous grazing opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe beak-like dental plates grow and wear through natural feeding. Regular access to hard algae-covered surfaces is important, but the fish may permanently mark or erode decorative rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain powerful biological and mechanical filtration, efficient protein skimming and regular water changes. A large parrotfish consumes substantial quantities of food and can produce a considerable organic waste load.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive triggerfish, large predatory wrasses and other species likely to harass or bite the fish. Suitable companions should be robust, too large to swallow and capable of competing for food without becoming aggressive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not combine with other large parrotfish unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious. Territorial conflict, competition for grazing surfaces and the combined waste load can become difficult to manage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect only an alert specimen with clear eyes, intact fins, smooth scales, undamaged dental plates and a full body profile. Mouth injuries can prevent effective grazing and may lead rapidly to nutritional decline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuarantine is recommended, but the quarantine aquarium must be sufficiently spacious and provide suitable grazing foods and secure shelter. Monitor closely for rapid breathing, scratching, external parasites, mouth damage or refusal to feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA secure, heavy-duty aquarium cover is recommended because large reef fish may jump when startled. Ensure pumps, heaters, cables and overflow equipment are securely protected from contact with the fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is rarely appropriate for the average home aquarium. Its potential adult size and lifelong space requirements should be considered before purchase, rather than relying on the smaller size of a juvenile specimen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpert marine fishkeepers with very large aquarium systems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare or occasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Male \/ Small","offer_id":47161367363757,"sku":"AG-104418","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Medium","offer_id":47161367396525,"sku":"AG-104419","price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Large","offer_id":47161367429293,"sku":"AG-104420","price":175.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Small","offer_id":47161367462061,"sku":"AG-104421","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Medium","offer_id":47161367494829,"sku":"AG-104422","price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Large","offer_id":47161367527597,"sku":"AG-104423","price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/DuskyParrotfish-Scarusniger_Male.jpg?v=1785846812","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/dusky-parrotfish-scarus-niger","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}