Description
Also known as Russell's Parrotfish.
Found singly, foraging for food, over shallow, coral rubble and sandy areas, of coastal reefs and outer reef slopes, rich in algae growth.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Length - 50cm
Depth - 6-15m
Widespread Eastern Indian Ocean, Western 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.in/summary/7912
1 comment
Posted by Debz OscroftI have recently photographed one on 2 Mile Reef in Sodwana Bay South Africa!