Description
Also known as Black Parrotfish, Swarthy Parrotfish.
Found singly, or in harems,, foraging for food, over clear water channels, lagoons, and outer reef slopes, rich in algae growth.
They feed on filamentous algae.
Juveniles in small schools, over inshore coral reefs.
Length - 40cm
Depth - 0-20m
Widespread Indo-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: http://www.fishbase.se/summary/5550
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