Origin
The parrot fish is part of the order Perciformes, family Scaridae. It can be found in tropical waters all over the world.
The family Scaridae includes around 80 species that live in coral reefs in the tropics.
The name comes from the characteristic mouth similar to the parrot's beak.
Feeding over the parrot
Parrot fish feed on corals. They tear off pieces of coral, and after extracting food they remove the debris in the form of fine sand. Their food consists of various living microorganisms that are found in the substrate.
By feeding it fulfills an essential role for the waters in which it lives. It feeds on algae and plants that are harmful to corals.
If it were not for him and other aquatic animals that feed on algae in a short time the area would be choked with grasses and harmful algae and the corals would disappear.
In areas where they are not overfished they can be admired by passersby.
Appearance over the parrot
Most species are 30-50 cm long, but there are also species that exceed 1 meter in length. The smallest species is (Cryptotomus roseus), it is 13cm long.
The parrot fish is known primarily for its powerful beak-shaped jaws and strong teeth.
They are considered the most beautiful fish on the reef. Both males and females have a series of bright colors (polychromatism) that change with age.
The bicolor parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor)
The strong beak of Bolbometopon muricatum
Behavior over the parrot
They chew up so many corals that in some areas they produce more sand than natural processes. It is estimated that a fish "produces" 100 kg of sand per year, that is, 250-300 grams per day.
Some species of parrot fish can live up to 20 years without their teeth being worn out. He is considered a savior of corals because because of him corals are clean.
Predators easily notice parrot fish by their brightly-colored appearance. At night to avoid predators they are wrapped in a transparent mucus that protects them somewhat giving off a bad smell.
In general, all animals that are brightly colored are protected by various substances that protect them from predators. The disadvantage that they are easily seen is compensated by the less pleasant taste.
Breeding over parrot
The parrot fish has the most complex reproductive system of all fish.
By the time they reach adulthood, the parrot fish go through three distinct phases of color. Puppies up to sexual maturity have a color. Young people who reach sexual maturity enter the initial phase and have a different color. The last phase, called the terminal phase in which adults have the third color.
Most species breed in summer.
After hatching the chicks are on their own.
