9/21/2023 0 Comments Stoplight parrotfishWhile most parrotfish in the Caribbean feed on algae, some also feed on coral, and less in-depth research has been done on whether parrotfish species may have a preference to the type of algae they feed on and how much. During different stages of development, parrotfish also undergo significant changes in their colourations. Individual species of parrotfish are easily differentiated by their colour patterns and the shape of their teeth, if one gets close enough to look. ![]() Examples of common parrotfish species found in the Caribbean and TT include the rainbow parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia), princess parrotfish (scarus taeniopterus) and stoplight parrotfish (sparisoma viride). The fused teeth allow them to scrape the surfaces of reef rock and even grind bits of coral to be passed out as sand. The most characteristic trait of parrotfish is their prominently fused teeth that resemble the beak of a bird or in my opinion, a badly designed set of dentures. Parrotfish actually refer to a family of fish species with very distinctive traits. This action is crucial for new coral larvae to settle and grow to form new reef structure and is vital in the recovery of reefs following any disturbance that results in coral mortality and the replacement by fast-growing algae. A school of parrotfish can clear large tracts of the reef surface of algae. As herbivores, they spend their days grazing the reef surfaces for algae. Parrotfish are common on coral reefs around the world. Over the last fifty years, when coral reefs have suffered some of the worst degradations, scientists have discovered an important ally in keeping corals on coral reefs, the parrotfish. While coral reefs are major habitat providers to an array of marine organisms, the ability of corals to continue to grow and provide their important functions is governed by a number of physical and biological parameters. ![]() Better yet, we should choose to eat lionfish, and pass on the parrotfish. ![]() MARINE ECOLOGIST Dr Anjani Ganase explains the benefits of parrotfish for healthy coral reefs and urges a ban on parrotfish harvesting. The Ocean Agency, Coral Reef Image Bank Thursday 7 January 2021 Image showing the teeth of a Pacific parrotfish.
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