The Parrot Fish – Species of the Reef



One of the most colourful fish on the Great Barrier Reef in the Parrot Fish. So named because of the parrot like beak which it uses to eat algae off coral and other organisms off corals. They are essential to the ecology of the reef and their gardening plays a pivotal part in the survival of the reef. The parrot fish feeding on the reef ensures that algae does not suffocate the reef. The coral they eat is ground up and excreted as sand.
Most of the Parrot Fish family grow to about 30-40 cm (12-16″). They release their eggs into the ocean where the eggs float until settling in the reef until they hatch.

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Comments (3)

3 Comments »

  1. Love the colours of this fish!!! Like your accounts of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Kathy

    Comment by Kathy Dowsett — December 16, 2010 @ 1:14 pm

  2. You guys always have wonderful photos of the reef, fish and all the creatures.
    I am sure there would be many who would love to have some Great Barrier Reef holidays this up coming Aussie winter!
    Cheers Marty Ware

    Comment by Marty Ware — December 23, 2011 @ 2:02 pm

  3. I just love parrotfish! thanks for the info!!!

    Comment by Mackenzie!!!!! — January 22, 2012 @ 3:37 am

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