![]() On Caribbean coral reefs, parrotfish are important consumers of sponges. While feeding, parrotfish must be cognizant of predation by one of their main predators, the lemon shark. size/species/location/depth etc.), almost 250 g (9 oz) per parrotfish per day. Or, on average (as there are so many variables i.e. The humphead parrotfish can produce 90 kg (200 lb) of sand each year. After they digest the edible portions from the rock, they excrete it as sand, helping create small islands and the sandy beaches. Whether they feed on coral, rock or seagrasses, the substrate is ground up between the pharyngeal teeth. The teeth grow continuously, replacing material worn away by feeding. Their feeding activity is important for the production and distribution of coral sands in the reef biome, and can prevent algal overgrowth of the reef structure. Nevertheless, when they do eat coral polyps, localized coral death can occur. Overall it has been estimated that fewer than one percent of parrotfish bites involve live corals and all except the green humphead parrotfish prefer algae-covered surfaces over live corals. None of these are exclusive corallivores, but polyps can make up as much as half their diet or even more in the green humphead parrotfish. A few mostly larger species such as the green humphead parrotfish ( Bolbometopon muricatum) feed extensively on living coral ( polyps). A wide range of other small organisms are sometimes eaten, including invertebrates ( sessile and benthic species, as well as zooplankton), bacteria and detritus. Most parrotfish species are herbivores, feeding mainly on epilithic algae. The strong beak of Bolbometopon muricatum is able to grind the sturdiest corals. The smallest species is the bluelip parrotfish ( Cryptotomus roseus), which has a maximum size of 13 cm (5.1 in). However, a few species reach lengths in excess of 1 m (3 ft 3 in), and the green humphead parrotfish can reach up to 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in). Maximum sizes vary within the group, with the majority of species reaching 30–50 cm (12–20 in) in length. Their numerous teeth are arranged in a tightly packed mosaic on the external surface of their jaw bones, forming a parrot-like beak with which they rasp algae from coral and other rocky substrates (which contributes to the process of bioerosion). Parrotfish are named for their dentition, which is distinct from other fish, including other labrids. ![]() They are found in coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds, and can play a significant role in bioerosion. With roughly 95 species, this group's largest species richness is in the Indo-Pacific. Parrotfishes are a group of fish species traditionally regarded as a family (Scaridae), but now often treated as a subfamily (Scarinae) or tribe (Scarini) of the wrasses (Labridae). ![]()
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