Parrotfish are colourful reef fish with beak-like teeth. They are essential to coral reef health, grazing algae and turning dead coral into sand.
Interesting facts
- Their teeth are fused into a parrot-like beak.
- Some species sleep inside a see-through cocoon of mucus, which may protect them from parasites.
- Many parrotfish begin life as females and later change into males.
- The brightest males are called ‘supermales’.
- By eating algae, parrotfish stop it from smothering corals.
- Much of the white sand on tropical beaches comes from parrotfish.
Behaviour
Parrotfish graze reefs by day, often in groups, crunching audibly as they feed. At night they rest in crevices.
Breeding and young
Parrotfish spawn in groups or pairs, releasing eggs into the water.
Threats and conservation
Overfishing, especially spearfishing at night, and coral reef decline.
Where to see it
- The Maldives
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Bonaire, Caribbean, where parrotfish are protected
- Hawaii and the Red Sea
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
