Description
Also known as Bullethead Parrot, Bullethead Parrotfish, Bullet-headed Parrotfish, Bullhead Parrotfish, Garnet Red Parrotfish, Green Parrotfish, Greenfin Parrotfish, Green-finned Parrotfish, Shabby Parrotfish.
Found singly or in large schools, foraging for food, over shallow drop-offs and open reef flats, of lagoons and seaward reefs, rich in coral growth. Geographical variation in colour.
They feed on benthic algae.
Juveniles found amongst coral and rubble, over reef flats and lagoons.
Length - 40cm
Depth - 0-50m
Widespread Indian Ocean
Parrotfish are hermaphrodites and live in harems with a dominant male. They are not territorial, living and feeding in harmony with other species.
Their teeth are fused into powerful beaks which are used for grabbing filamentous algae from dead coral, often found feeding in a cloud of sediment.
At night parrotfish make a sleeping bag out of slime bubbles for protection against predators.
These beautiful fish whose males usually outshine the females for colour also change dramatically from juvenile to adult. Ref: https://www.fishbase.de/summary/5556
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