Description

Also known as Pink-margined Parrotfish.

Found in small schools, often mixed with other species, foraging for food over corals, in clear coastal and inner reefs rich in algae and coral growth.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Length - 40cm
Depth - 5-15m
Widespread Indian Ocean, Western Central Pacific

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.se/summary/25677