Algae, particularly species that grow on rocks, make up the bulk of this fish’s diet. Most parrotfish are herbivores, which means they feed on plant matter. The highest species variety is found in the Indo-Pacific ocean regions.

These fish are found commonly in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Various species of this fish can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Their favorite ecosystems are coral reefs, but they also live among seagrass beds and rocky coastlines. They can be found in both tropical and subtropical habitats. Parrotfish prefer living in shallow seas, because coral grows best in areas with lots of light. What goes in must come out! This coral rock is digested as much as possible, and comes out the other end of the fish as sand. Sandman – When eating coral polyps and scraping algae from the surface of coral, these fish consume the coral rock.These are the only species that scrape and clean the surface of the reef. Researchers actually believe that these fish are incredibly important for the health of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Too much algae and seaweed growth on corals can cause the reefs to die off, and this growth is exacerbated by climate change and pollution.

Coral Care – While some species of this fish feed on coral polyps, all of them feed on algae.

Scientists believe that this mucous helps mask the scent of the fish from predators. They spit mucous from their mouths, and spread it around their bodies. After a long day of foraging, many species will create a mucous cocoon before going to sleep.

Sneaky Sleeper –These fish use a unique method to prepare for bed at night.

They use this tough beak to scrape algae from rocks and coral when feeding. This fish’s “beak” is actually made up of numerous small teeth packed closely together to form a beak-like structure.

Fish with a “Beak” – These fish have an incredibly distinct dental structure.

They have multiple traits that are interesting, strange, and even downright amazing. Others suggest it might work as a protective mechanism by giving the sleeping fish a heads-up when a predator has penetrated the cocoon.Parrotfish are an incredibly unique group of animals, even in comparison to their closest relatives. Scientists believe that this bubble might protect the fish from predators - such as eels and sharks - by masking its scent. Some species of parrotfish are able to encapsulate themselves in a cocoon of mucus at night. Here are some of our favorite facts about the parrotfish.ġ) Bolbometopon muricatum, aka the green bumphead parrotfish, takes the cake as the largest in the family, growing past 4 feet in length and in excess of 100 pounds.Ģ) Perhaps the most fascinating parrotfish behavior relates to its homemade nightgown. Known for their vibrant colors, penchant for munching coral and - ahem - unconventional production of sand, these fish are vital pieces of a marine ecosystem. The term parrotfish encompasses any species in the family Scaridae, including the humphead, rainbow and princess varieties. Sharks, rays, eels and even anemonefish might be more popular, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fascinating reef dweller than the parrotfish.

Parrot fish