In the South Pacific, this is largely due to overfishing of bumphead parrotfish. Parrotfish live in reefs all around the world, but they all generally live about 5-7 years and grow to 1-4 feet in length. They typically feed during the day and sleep-by wrapping themselves in a safety cocoon made of mucus or by finding a hiding place in the coral-at night.Ĭoral reefs face a lot of threats, of course-from climate change to pollution to invasive species. Restoring parrotfish populations, herbivores that keep seaweed in check on the reefs, could pay big dividends in restoring reefs. If it weren’t for parrotfish, corals would quickly become suffocated by seaweeds on many reefs around the world-which is what is happening in the Caribbean and in the Pacific. Scientists estimate that a single Chlorurus gibbus parrotfish can poop out more than 2,000 pounds of sand each year! Known as bioerosion, this process helps control algae populations and create new surfaces for baby corals to attach to and grow. But just how much sand can a parrotfish produce? Surely it can’t be enough to really make whole beaches? Think again. The parrotfishes’ digestive system, which includes more teeth inside their throats, breaks down coral bits into the white sands that make South Pacific beaches famous. Experts don’t really know what causes some to change and others not to, but it is a fascinating way for the species to be able to keep a balance of gender in the population.Parrotfish are colorful, tropical creatures that spend about 90% of their day eating algae off coral reefs. This almost-constant eating performs the essential task of cleaning the reefs which helps the corals stay healthy and thriving. However, some of them will change into males as time goes on. The offspring are almost always females to begin with. The colors of the Parrot Fish will change several times over the course of their lifespan. The eggs will attach to the plankton where they will remain until they hatch. Thousands of eggs can be released into the water by the females and the males will fertilize them with sperm. They can also consume coral polyps that are found out there in their natural environment. However, they also consume a variety of various small microorganisms that are found in the water too. The fact that they feed on so much algae is why people often assume they are herbivores. This is a process that helps to keep a natural balance of elements in their environment. Parrot Fish FeedingĪs mentioned above, the Parrot Fish consumes a great deal of algae from its environment. Experts believe that mucus can also help to prevent parasites from using this particular fish as a host. The mucus also prevents this fish from having scent that predators could be attracted to. This allows it to become attached to something in the corral areas for protection. The males often challenge each other for overall dominance of the school.įor protection the Parrot Fish covers its body at night with mucus.

The males are dominant and they will have the females fighting over being around them in the school at various times. The smaller fish are on the inside of the school with the larger ones around the parameter of it. They form very large schools that can be found moving about in the water.

Parrot fish