Adaptations
1. Teeth
The name "parrotfish" comes from their beak-like front teeth. They're a useful adaptation that allows them to eat algae that lives on coral, and even the coral itself. Having strong teeth allows them to bite off large chunks of coral. They can then use their second set of teeth in their throats to grind down the coral into chunks small enough to be swallowed.
The name "parrotfish" comes from their beak-like front teeth. They're a useful adaptation that allows them to eat algae that lives on coral, and even the coral itself. Having strong teeth allows them to bite off large chunks of coral. They can then use their second set of teeth in their throats to grind down the coral into chunks small enough to be swallowed.
2. Gender
The parrot fish social structure consists of a harem of females, led by one sexually matured male called a terminal male or supermale. When the male dies, one of the females in his harem will have to change gender to replace him.
The parrot fish social structure consists of a harem of females, led by one sexually matured male called a terminal male or supermale. When the male dies, one of the females in his harem will have to change gender to replace him.
3. Protection
At night parrot fish create a veil-like cocoon of mucus around themselves while they sleep. The mucus cocoon is transparent and works as a form of protection from their predators, eels.
At night parrot fish create a veil-like cocoon of mucus around themselves while they sleep. The mucus cocoon is transparent and works as a form of protection from their predators, eels.