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Dangers:
Coral cover, coral damage and bleaching harms the ecosystem of parrotfish.
Snappers, jacks, and moray eels as well as other carnivorous fishes feed on parrotfish.

 

Conservation Status:
Many species of parrotfish are not in danger.
The ‘kelia’ is the largest of all parrotfish, growing to a length of about 1.3m and 46kg in weight. Their population has been on a decline throughout their range due to heavy exploitation. Over harvesting threatens its survival and its numbers are heading towards extinction.

 
Parrot Fish

The parrotfish is a vividly colored fish known to constantly change shape, color, and gender during its life. Named for its bright tucan colors with birdlike beak, there are more than 80 species that have been identified and range from one to four feet in length and can weigh up to 3.5 pounds.

An easily distinguishing feature of the parrotfish is its large beak, which it uses to peck coral skeletons from a reef. Tightly packed teeth inside its beak will grind the coral up to get to algae inside. Seventy-five percent of what they eat is inorganic. It is estimated that a single large male can deposit (poop) up to 5,000 pounds (2.5 tons) of sediment (sand) per year!

There are many fascinating abilities of a parrotfish

  • Most parrotfish live in harems with one dominant terminal phase male. When he dies, one of the females undergoes a 2-3 week transformation to male, changing not only sexual organs, but receiving a bright new set of colorful scales.
  • Some species of juveniles may mimic the appearance of other species. At one time, it was thought to be over 350 speices of parrotfish until their little secret was discovered.
  • When some species of parrotfish rests, it will find a crevice, secrete a thick coat of mucus from its head , and sleep in a cocoon blob to protect itself from predators.

Parrotfish can live up to 10 years.