Species Type:
Fishes
Common Name(s):
Blue parrotfish
Size:
Blue parrotfish can grow up to 2 feet long (0.61 meters).
Diet:
Parrotfish are herbivores. They feed on algae by using their parrot-like beaks to scrape the algae off of corals and other rocky substrates. They use pharygeal (throat) teeth to grind and rock they ingest into sand.
Range & Habitat:
Blue parrotfish can be found rocky and coral reefs in the Atlantic from Maryland to Florida, and throughout the Caribbean Sea. Juveniles are found in seagrass beds and mangroves.
Details:
Blue parrotfish are pale as juveniles and deeper blue as adults. Large males have a pronounced forehead hump. They scrape algae off coral and rocks, helping maintain coral reefs. By grinding up coral during feeding, they help produce white sand found on tropical beaches.